Sometimes, you just crave a meal that feels truly luxurious—something that tastes like you spent all day fussing over it, but that you actually managed on a busy weeknight. That’s exactly what this braised short rib pasta delivers! Forget dusty cookbooks and overly fussy techniques; here at DeliceRecipe, we believe the most memorable meals are the ones that draw everyone right to the table. This show-stopping dish takes humble ingredients and turns them into a deeply flavorful, fork-tender beef ragu that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s gourmet flavor made entirely accessible, right in your home kitchen.
- Why This braised short rib pasta Recipe Delivers Deep Flavor Pasta Sauce
- Gathering Ingredients for Your braised short rib pasta
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Rich Short Rib Ragu Recipe
- Selecting the Best Pasta for Meaty Sauces in Your braised short rib pasta
- Tips for Perfect braised short rib pasta Success
- Selecting the Best Pasta for Meaty Sauces in Your braised short rib pasta
- Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
- Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
- Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
- Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
- Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
- Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
- Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
- Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
- Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
- Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
- Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
- Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
Why This braised short rib pasta Recipe Delivers Deep Flavor Pasta Sauce
I truly believe that cooking hearty, satisfying food shouldn’t require special permits or a culinary degree. That’s the core of the DeliceRecipe philosophy: accessible deliciousness! When you’re aiming for a dish that feels both gourmet and deeply comforting, you have to focus on the process. When you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners that still impress, this is where you look. With hearty dishes like this one, the key to an incredibly rich short rib ragu recipe isn’t complexity; it’s time. We aren’t just making dinner; we’re creating one of those classic comfort food pasta dishes that melts away the stress of the day.
When you slow-cook the beef this way, you are fundamentally changing the texture of the meat and giving the sauce depth that you simply can’t rush. Trust me, this is the difference between standard weeknight beef and something truly memorable.
The Secret to Fork Tender Beef Pasta
It all comes down to connective tissue. Those short ribs have a lot of tough stuff running through them, but when you cook them low and slow—for hours in a fragrant bath of wine and tomatoes—that tough collagen melts down into pure, buttery gelatin. That’s why you get that beautiful, shreddable texture for your fork tender beef pasta. We take 30 minutes upfront with searing and chopping, and then let the oven handle the hard work, transforming dry meat into the foundation of our amazing sauce.
Gathering Ingredients for Your braised short rib pasta
You might be looking at this list and thinking, “Wow, that looks like a lot!” But don’t worry, most of these beautiful components are going straight into one pot to do all the heavy lifting for us. Remember what I always say? Great food starts with great ingredients, and the magic here comes from the basics working together beautifully. Make sure you have everything ready before you fire up the stove! We need about three pounds of bone-in beef short ribs—the bone really helps deepen the flavor of the braising liquid, so don’t skip that if you can help it.
For our aromatic base, have ready one large yellow onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks—all roughly chopped. Give me four cloves of garlic, minced finely for that pungent hit! For the liquid gold that becomes our rich short rib ragu, you’ll need a full cup of dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, and one large (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Pour in four cups of good quality beef broth—use the best you can find, the flavor really carries through! Don’t forget two sprigs of fresh thyme and one single bay leaf to keep things authentic and savory.
Finally, for the amazing pasta component, you’ll need one pound of pappardelle pasta, which I think is the ultimate shape for this sauce. Have on hand half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for stirring in at the end, and about two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, for that burst of green right before serving. A little salt and pepper for seasoning is all you need!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Rich Short Rib Ragu Recipe
Now for the fun part—putting all those gorgeous ingredients to work! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll end up with the most incredible foundation for your braised short rib pasta. We really want to develop those deep, meaty flavors right at the beginning, so don’t rush the searing part; it’s essential for that final, complex taste.
Searing and Building the Flavor Base
First things first: get your short ribs seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Find your biggest, heaviest Dutch oven—that’s our best friend here. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers a little bit. Sear those ribs hard on every single side until they develop a deep, rich brown crust. That color is pure flavor, so go for it! Once they look perfectly crusted, pull them out and set them aside. Now, turn the heat down just a touch to medium. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. You’re going to cook these until they start getting soft, maybe about 8 minutes. Toss in your minced garlic for the last minute until you can really smell it—watch it, though, it burns fast! Then, pour in that glorious cup of red wine to deglaze the pot; scrape up every single little browned bit sticking to the bottom. Let that wine bubble away and reduce by about half; this concentrates the flavor beautifully.
The Braising Process: Achieving Fork Tender Beef Pasta
Time to put the meat back home! Tuck those seared ribs back into the pot. Pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth until the meat is almost completely covered. Toss in your thyme sprigs and that bay leaf. Bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer right on the stovetop, put the lid on tight, and immediately transfer it to an oven preheated to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). You are going to let this hang out for 3 to 4 hours. Yep, that long! If you are short on time, you can pull out your slow cooker beef rib pasta alternative and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours after searing, but the oven gives the best finish, in my opinion.
Finishing the braised short rib pasta Sauce and Cooking Pasta
When the meat is so tender you can barely touch it without it falling apart, it’s done. Carefully pull the ribs out and let them cool just enough to handle. Get rid of those spent thyme sprigs and the bay leaf. You’ll notice a layer of fat floating on top of your braising liquid—skim as much of that off as you can. Now, take two forks and shred all that beautiful beef right back into the sauce. Put the pot back on the stove over medium heat and let that sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step thickens it up perfectly into that amazing rich short rib ragu recipe we were making! Taste it now and adjust the salt and pepper. While that simmers, cook your pappardelle until it’s perfectly al dente. Crucially, save about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it!
Selecting the Best Pasta for Meaty Sauces in Your braised short rib pasta
Choosing the right noodle is almost as important as perfecting the sauce itself when you’re making a dish as luxurious as braised short rib pasta. You might assume any pasta will do, but trust me, the wrong shape gets totally overwhelmed by this heavy, deeply flavored ragu. We want something that can truly stand up to that rich, shredded beef and sauce!
My absolute first choice, and the one I recommend you reach for, is pappardelle. Those wide, flat ribbons are just perfect because they have a large surface area for the sauce to cling to. When you twirl it onto your fork, you get the perfect ratio of tender meat to chewy pasta. If you can’t find pappardelle, don’t panic! Rigatoni is a wonderful runner-up because those ridges and tubes trap the little bits of shredded short rib inside. Linguine is also a solid choice, though I prefer the sturdier shapes.
You want a pasta that feels substantial, not delicate. Think about it: you’ve spent hours creating this incredible depth of flavor; you don’t want a thin spaghetti being lost in the shuffle! If you’re looking for other amazing ways to pair sauce with noodles, you might want to check out my recipe for creamy mushroom pasta, which uses a thinner noodle but needs that creamy coating just right.
Tips for Perfect braised short rib pasta Success
We’ve done the heavy lifting through that long braise, but a few little finishing touches will elevate this from a great meal to an unforgettable one. These are the little secrets I incorporate every single time I make this dish, ensuring that even if you’re serving it as a gourmet pasta dinner idea on a Tuesday, it tastes like a Sunday feast.
Taming the Fat After Braising
Remember when we pulled those short ribs out? If you haven’t managed to skim all the fat off the top of the sauce before shredding, don’t fret! You can definitely do it after. Once the sauce has simmered down and thickened nicely, let it rest for 5 or 10 minutes. You’ll see a layer of fat start to solidify on the top sheen. You can gently spoon off the major pools, or you can do what I sometimes do when I’m in a rush: chill the sauce completely in the fridge. When cold, the fat forms a solid cap, making it incredibly easy to lift right off! You want the flavor of the beef, not the heavy grease.
Seasoning Check: It Needs Salt!
This is a big one, especially after simmering all day. When the liquid reduces, everything concentrates, including the salt you added initially. Before you mix the pasta in, you absolutely must taste the sauce one last time. Does it taste… loud? If it tastes a little flat, it needs salt. If it tastes rich and complex, you’re spot on. If it tastes watery or dull, add a generous pinch of salt and stir it in, then taste again. Always season the sauce; never the plain pasta.
Make Ahead Pasta Sauce Strategy
Here’s my favorite tip for when you want zero stress: make the ragu completely earlier in the week. Seriously! This is one of those rare sauces where the flavor actually deepens and gets better overnight. The spices meld together, and the cooked shredded beef absorbs even more of that wine and tomato goodness. Store the finished sauce—without the pasta—in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the sauce gently on the stove, cook your pappardelle, and toss it together at the last minute. It makes serving an amazing gourmet pasta dinner idea feel effortless!
Selecting the Best Pasta for Meaty Sauces in Your braised short rib pasta
We talked a little bit about this earlier, but it deserves its own moment because choosing the wrong noodle can ruin even the most perfectly cooked meat. When you’re making a heavy, stick-to-your-ribs meal like our braised short rib pasta, you need a pasta shape that’s built for business!
I am so passionate about using pappardelle here; it’s the best pasta for meaty sauces, hands down. Those broad, flat strips feel substantial enough to handle the hearty chunks of shredded beef without just breaking under pressure. Think about wrapping that rich, slow-cooked meat onto something sturdy—that’s what pappardelle gives you. I love grabbing some homemade versions if I can find them, but even quality dried pappardelle does the trick.
However, if you can’t find those wonderful wide noodles, rigatoni is a fantastic, widely available runner-up. Why? Because tube shapes are fantastic for catching meat. The sauce gets inside the tube, and when you bite down, you get a perfect combination of pasta and ragu. Even fettuccine works well in a pinch. What you want to avoid are those tiny, delicate shapes whose texture gets lost immediately in such a rich short rib ragu recipe. If you’re ever curious about pairing sauces with other kinds of noodles, check out my one-pot creamy mushroom pasta—that one calls for something a bit lighter!
Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
This dish is rich. I mean, decadently, wonderfully rich. Because the braised short rib pasta carries so much flavor and fat from those lovely short ribs, you don’t want to serve it with another heavy side dish. You need something bright and acidic to cut through that richness on your plate. It makes the whole meal feel balanced!
My go-to suggestion is always a simple, crisp salad. Don’t overthink the dressing. A handful of arugula or mixed greens tossed with just good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, maybe a little Dijon mustard to emulsify it, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need. That acidity cleanses the palate between bites of savory beef.
And of course, you absolutely need something to mop up every last bit of that amazing, thickened sauce. A crunchy slice of bread is non-negotiable. If you want to go the extra mile without spending hours in the kitchen, try my recipe for easy crusty Italian bread—it’s designed to be ready when your pasta is! For garnishes, keep it simple: a mountain of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. That’s it. You’re done!
Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your amazing family style braised meat dinner—and sometimes I make this recipe specifically to create leftovers—you’ve truly hit the jackpot. Unlike some pasta dishes that turn into a gummy mess in the fridge, this ragu only improves! The flavors deepen overnight, making this the ultimate cold-weather comfort food pasta dish the next day.
For storage, let the leftover pasta cool down slightly, then pack it into a good airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. When you reheat it, the pasta might seem a little drier, but that’s where the trick comes in. When reheating on the stovetop, add a small splash of water or broth right to the pot and stir gently over low heat until everything loosens up and the sauce coats the pasta again. Don’t blast it in the microwave, or you’ll end up boiling the noodles!
These leftovers are fantastic for a super-quick lunch later in the week. Who doesn’t love a great short rib leftovers recipe that tastes even better the second time around?
Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
Can I use boneless short ribs for this braised short rib pasta?
You certainly can use boneless short ribs if that’s what you have or prefer! However, I always push for bone-in ribs when making the initial braise for any braised short rib pasta. Why? Because the bones release marrow and collagen into that liquid while slow cooking, which is what gives you that incredible mouthfeel and depth in your final sauce. If you use boneless, just be sure your broth quality is excellent because you’re losing a little bit of that natural flavor boost.
What wine substitutes work for this Rich Short Rib Ragu Recipe?
Sometimes we don’t have wine on hand, or maybe we’re avoiding alcohol, and that’s totally fine! To replace the wine in this rich short rib ragu recipe, you want to mimic that acidity and depth. A great trick is to use an extra cup of beef broth mixed with about a tablespoon of good quality balsamic vinegar or even a splash of red wine vinegar. Let that mixture simmer and reduce slightly before adding the rest of the liquids. It won’t be exactly the same as wine braised short ribs, but it will give you that important acidic tang to balance the tomatoes.
How do I ensure my sauce is truly a Deep Flavor Pasta Sauce?
If you are looking for that signature deep flavor pasta sauce that tastes like it simmered for 12 hours, you have two non-negotiable steps. First: that initial sear on the beef. Get that dark brown crust—don’t just turn the meat white; treat it like searing a steak! Second: you must reduce the wine fully before adding anything else. That process concentrates the tannins and sugars from the wine right into the base of your aromatics. If you skip reducing the wine, the flavor will taste thin and slightly alcoholic instead of complex.
Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
Because we are dealing with rich beef, olive oil, and pasta, it’s no surprise that this is a hearty meal. Here are the estimated nutritional facts for one serving of your family style braised meat dinner. Please remember that these numbers are just estimates, and if you trim more fat or switch to whole wheat pappardelle, your numbers will shift!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
I poured my heart into developing this recipe because I truly believe everyone deserves to pull a pot of braised short rib pasta out of the oven and feel incredibly proud of what they created. It’s not just dinner; it’s a memory in the making! Now that you’ve tried it, I genuinely want to hear all about it. Did you try rigatoni instead? Did you make the sauce ahead of time? Did the smell fill your whole house?
We build this DeliceRecipe community together, sharing what works and what we tweak along the way. So please, take a minute to let me know how it went. It means the world to me when I hear how a meal brought your own family to the table.
If you could take a moment to leave a star rating right below this section—be honest, that’s how we all learn!—and drop a few sentences in the comments sharing your results or any little modifications you made, that would be wonderful. If you have any questions that I didn’t answer in the FAQ above, shoot me a message through my contact page; I truly love connecting with you and helping you feel completely confident in your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
This dish is rich. I mean, decadently, wonderfully rich. Because the braised short rib pasta carries so much flavor and fat from those lovely short ribs, you don’t want to serve it with another heavy side dish. You need something bright and acidic to cut through that richness on your plate. It makes the whole meal feel balanced!
My go-to suggestion is always a simple, crisp salad. Don’t overthink the dressing. A handful of arugula or mixed greens tossed with just good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, maybe a little Dijon mustard to emulsify it, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need. That acidity cleanses the palate between bites of savory beef.
And of course, you absolutely need something to mop up every last bit of that amazing, thickened sauce. A crunchy slice of bread is non-negotiable. If you want to go the extra mile without spending hours in the kitchen, try my recipe for easy crusty Italian bread—it’s designed to be ready when your pasta is! For garnishes, keep it simple: a mountain of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. That’s it. You’re done!
Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your amazing family style braised meat dinner—and sometimes I make this recipe specifically to create leftovers—you’ve truly hit the jackpot. Unlike some pasta dishes that turn into a gummy mess in the fridge, this ragu only improves! The flavors deepen overnight, making this the ultimate cold-weather comfort food pasta dish the next day.
For storage, let the leftover pasta cool down slightly, then pack it into a good airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. When you reheat it, the pasta might seem a little drier, but that’s where the trick comes in. When reheating on the stovetop, add a small splash of water or broth right to the pot and stir gently over low heat until everything loosens up and the sauce coats the pasta again. Don’t blast it in the microwave, or you’ll end up boiling the noodles!
These leftovers are fantastic for a super-quick lunch later in the week. Who doesn’t love a great short rib leftovers recipe that tastes even better the second time around?
Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
Can I use boneless short ribs for this braised short rib pasta?
You certainly can use boneless short ribs if that’s what you have or prefer! However, I always push for bone-in ribs when making the initial braise for any braised short rib pasta. Why? Because the bones release marrow and collagen into that liquid while slow cooking, which is what gives you that incredible mouthfeel and depth in your final sauce. If you use boneless, just be sure your broth quality is excellent because you’re losing a little bit of that natural flavor boost.
What wine substitutes work for this Rich Short Rib Ragu Recipe?
Sometimes we don’t have wine on hand, or maybe we’re avoiding alcohol, and that’s totally fine! To replace the wine in this rich short rib ragu recipe, you want to mimic that acidity and depth. A great trick is to use an extra cup of beef broth mixed with about a tablespoon of good quality balsamic vinegar or even a splash of red wine vinegar. Let that mixture simmer and reduce slightly before adding the rest of the liquids. It won’t be exactly the same as wine braised short ribs, but it will give you that important acidic tang to balance the tomatoes.
How do I ensure my sauce is truly a Deep Flavor Pasta Sauce?
If you are looking for that signature deep flavor pasta sauce that tastes like it simmered for 12 hours, you have two non-negotiable steps. First: that initial sear on the beef. Get that dark brown crust—don’t just turn the meat white; treat it like searing a steak! Second: you must reduce the wine fully before adding anything else. That process concentrates the tannins and sugars from the wine right into the base of your aromatics. If you skip reducing the wine, the flavor will taste thin and slightly alcoholic instead of complex.
Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
Because we are dealing with rich beef, olive oil, and pasta, it’s no surprise that this is a hearty meal. Here are the estimated nutritional facts for one serving of your family style braised meat dinner. Please remember that these numbers are just estimates, and if you trim more fat or switch to whole wheat pappardelle, your numbers will shift!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
I poured my heart into developing this recipe because I truly believe everyone deserves to pull a pot of braised short rib pasta out of the oven and feel incredibly proud of what they created. It’s not just dinner; it’s a memory in the making! Now that you’ve tried it, I genuinely want to hear all about it. Did you try rigatoni instead? Did you make the sauce ahead of time? Did the smell fill your whole house?
We build this DeliceRecipe community together, sharing what works and what we tweak along the way. So please, take a minute to let me know how it went. It means the world to me when I hear how a meal brought your own family to the table.
If you could take a moment to leave a star rating right below this section—be honest, that’s how we all learn!—and drop a few sentences in the comments sharing your results or any little modifications you made, that would be wonderful. If you have any questions that I didn’t answer in the FAQ above, shoot me a message through my contact page; I truly love connecting with you and helping you feel completely confident in your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions for Your braised short rib pasta
This dish is rich. I mean, decadently, wonderfully rich. Because the braised short rib pasta carries so much flavor and fat from those lovely short ribs, you don’t want to serve it with another heavy side dish. You need something bright and acidic to cut through that richness on your plate. It makes the whole meal feel balanced!
My go-to suggestion is always a simple, crisp salad. Don’t overthink the dressing. A handful of arugula or mixed greens tossed with just good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, maybe a little Dijon mustard to emulsify it, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need. That acidity cleanses the palate between bites of savory beef.
And of course, you absolutely need something to mop up every last bit of that amazing, thickened sauce. A crunchy slice of bread is non-negotiable. If you want to go the extra mile without spending hours in the kitchen, try my recipe for easy crusty Italian bread—it’s designed to be ready when your pasta is! For garnishes, keep it simple: a mountain of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. That’s it. You’re done!
Storing and Reheating Leftover braised short rib pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your amazing family style braised meat dinner—and sometimes I make this recipe specifically to create leftovers—you’ve truly hit the jackpot. Unlike some pasta dishes that turn into a gummy mess in the fridge, this ragu only improves! The flavors deepen overnight, making this the ultimate cold-weather comfort food pasta dish the next day.
For storage, let the leftover pasta cool down slightly, then pack it into a good airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. When you reheat it, the pasta might seem a little drier, but that’s where the trick comes in. When reheating on the stovetop, add a small splash of water or broth right to the pot and stir gently over low heat until everything loosens up and the sauce coats the pasta again. Don’t blast it in the microwave, or you’ll end up boiling the noodles!
These leftovers are fantastic for a super-quick lunch later in the week. Who doesn’t love a great short rib leftovers recipe that tastes even better the second time around?
Frequently Asked Questions About braised short rib pasta
Can I use boneless short ribs for this braised short rib pasta?
You certainly can use boneless short ribs if that’s what you have or prefer! However, I always push for bone-in ribs when making the initial braise for any braised short rib pasta. Why? Because the bones release marrow and collagen into that liquid while slow cooking, which is what gives you that incredible mouthfeel and depth in your final sauce. If you use boneless, just be sure your broth quality is excellent because you’re losing a little bit of that natural flavor boost.
What wine substitutes work for this Rich Short Rib Ragu Recipe?
Sometimes we don’t have wine on hand, or maybe we’re avoiding alcohol, and that’s totally fine! To replace the wine in this rich short rib ragu recipe, you want to mimic that acidity and depth. A great trick is to use an extra cup of beef broth mixed with about a tablespoon of good quality balsamic vinegar or even a splash of red wine vinegar. Let that mixture simmer and reduce slightly before adding the rest of the liquids. It won’t be exactly the same as wine braised short ribs, but it will give you that important acidic tang to balance the tomatoes.
How do I ensure my sauce is truly a Deep Flavor Pasta Sauce?
If you are looking for that signature deep flavor pasta sauce that tastes like it simmered for 12 hours, you have two non-negotiable steps. First: that initial sear on the beef. Get that dark brown crust—don’t just turn the meat white; treat it like searing a steak! Second: you must reduce the wine fully before adding anything else. That process concentrates the tannins and sugars from the wine right into the base of your aromatics. If you skip reducing the wine, the flavor will taste thin and slightly alcoholic instead of complex.
Nutritional Estimates for Your Family Style Braised Meat Dinner
Because we are dealing with rich beef, olive oil, and pasta, it’s no surprise that this is a hearty meal. Here are the estimated nutritional facts for one serving of your family style braised meat dinner. Please remember that these numbers are just estimates, and if you trim more fat or switch to whole wheat pappardelle, your numbers will shift!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Share Your Experience Making This braised short rib pasta
I poured my heart into developing this recipe because I truly believe everyone deserves to pull a pot of braised short rib pasta out of the oven and feel incredibly proud of what they created. It’s not just dinner; it’s a memory in the making! Now that you’ve tried it, I genuinely want to hear all about it. Did you try rigatoni instead? Did you make the sauce ahead of time? Did the smell fill your whole house?
We build this DeliceRecipe community together, sharing what works and what we tweak along the way. So please, take a minute to let me know how it went. It means the world to me when I hear how a meal brought your own family to the table.
If you could take a moment to leave a star rating right below this section—be honest, that’s how we all learn!—and drop a few sentences in the comments sharing your results or any little modifications you made, that would be wonderful. If you have any questions that I didn’t answer in the FAQ above, shoot me a message through my contact page; I truly love connecting with you and helping you feel completely confident in your kitchen!
PrintFork Tender Braised Short Rib Pasta with Rich Ragu
Make a deeply flavorful pasta sauce using slow-cooked, shredded beef short ribs. This recipe delivers a gourmet pasta dinner perfect for family style serving.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Return the short ribs to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. The liquid should mostly cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Braise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is fork tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid.
- Shred the beef using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone. Return the shredded beef to the sauce. Simmer the sauce uncovered over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich short rib ragu. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the pot with the short rib ragu. Toss to coat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a slow cooker beef pasta option, cook the ribs on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours after searing and adding liquids.
- Pappardelle is the best pasta for meaty sauces, but rigatoni or fettuccine also work well.
- This rich short rib ragu recipe freezes well; make a large batch for easy make ahead pasta sauce meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 70
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 150



