Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, flavorful hug on a plate, look no further than the Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs braised to perfection, swimming in a rich, savory tomato and red wine ragu that clings beautifully to tender pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for impressive company. Every bite is a celebration of slow-cooked love, and this recipe makes it easy to bring that comfort and elegance straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is – every item imparts its own magic, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. Let’s dive into these essentials and why they matter.

• 2-3 pounds bone-in braised short ribs: The star of the show; rich and tender, they create a deeply flavorful base for the ragu.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the ribs and sautéing vegetables to develop a savory depth.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and umami as it softens and caramelizes.
• 2 carrots, diced: Brings a subtle natural sweetness and texture that balances the savory elements.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds aromatic earthiness and crunch to build the sofrito base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the ragu with a robust, fragrant punch.
• 1 cup dry red wine: A key to richness and complex acidity that brightens the sauce.
• 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and ensures the ragu remains luscious.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Provides bright acidity and body, tying everything together.
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme: A herbaceous note that complements the hearty beef.
• 2-3 bay leaves: Adds a subtle depth and aroma during the slow simmer.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
• 1 pound pasta (pappardelle or your choice): Wide noodles like pappardelle are classic because they hold the rich ragu so well.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A salty, nutty crown that melts over each bite.
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional): Bright color and fresh herbal sparkle to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Start by warming your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season your bone-in short ribs generously with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for building that deep, umami-packed flavor that defines this ragu. Once seared, set the ribs aside to rest while you work on the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these wonderful aromatics for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and starting to caramelize. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it just one more minute to release its fragrant oils without burning. These veggies create the aromatic foundation for your ragu, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in a full cup of dry red wine, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor gold and will deepen the sauce beautifully. Let the wine reduce by about half, concentrating its sweet, tart notes to meld perfectly with the meat.

Step 4: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Herbs

Return your browned short ribs to the pot. Then add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir everything together gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. This rich, savory blend is the heart of the Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Tender Perfection

Cover the pot with a lid, turn the heat down to low, and let that beautiful ragu bubble away slowly for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ribs are incredibly tender and can be shredded effortlessly with a fork. Patience here rewards you with the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Step 6: Shred the Meat and Combine

Carefully remove the short ribs from the pot, discarding the bones and any excess fat. Shred the luscious meat and return it to the simmering sauce, stirring it through so every strand is coated in that rich ragu.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

While the meat is shredding, prepare your pasta according to package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed – this little trick helps the ragu cling beautifully to the noodles.

Step 8: Toss Pasta with Ragu

Combine the cooked pasta and the short rib ragu in your pot or a large bowl. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the perfect saucy texture. This is where the magic happens — the rich meat sauce becomes one with tender pasta for the perfect comforting bite.

Step 9: Season and Serve

Give it a final taste and season with any extra salt and pepper you think it needs. Plate generously, topping each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Each forkful of this Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe is pure joy.

How to Serve Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a non-negotiable, melting over the warm pasta for that irresistible savory finish. Adding vibrant fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a lovely herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a silky sheen.

Side Dishes

This ragu lovers’ dream pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete but complement. Think a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Light sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini also provide a fresh balance to the hearty flavors of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming rustic presentation, serve the ragu over wide pappardelle noodles in shallow bowls and top with a sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of microgreens. Alternatively, layering pasta, ragu, and Parmesan in a warm casserole dish straight to the table invites everyone to serve themselves family-style – perfect for shared comfort food moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, cool the ragu completely to preserve its freshness and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the ragu separately from the pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pasta tends to soften when frozen, so it’s best to cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy leftovers.

Reheating

Reheat the ragu gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Warm your pasta separately in boiling water or the microwave, then toss everything together just before serving to revive that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless short ribs will work just fine and can be easier to shred. The bones do add extra flavor, but boneless ribs still yield rich, tender meat perfect for this ragu.

What kind of pasta is best for Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta?

Wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal because their broad shape holds on to the thick ragu sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta—rigatoni or tagliatelle also work beautifully.

Can I prepare the ragu ahead of time?

Yes! This dish benefits from resting, so making the ragu a day ahead allows flavors to meld wonderfully. Just reheat gently and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How can I make this recipe quicker?

While slow braising brings the best tenderness and flavor, using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can cut the cooking time significantly, usually down to about one hour. Just adjust the method accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, the ragu freezes beautifully on its own. Store it separately from pasta to preserve the best texture, and freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about crafting the Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Recipe. It’s a dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and offers warm comfort with every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly evening or impressing friends with homemade Italian goodness, this recipe won’t disappoint. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it’s a favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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