Short Rib Beef Ragu: The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Comfort Dish You’ll Fall in Love With

If you’re craving a dish that feels luxurious, cozy, and irresistibly flavorful, this Short Rib Beef Ragu is exactly what you need. Tender beef short ribs slowly melt into a rich tomato sauce infused with wine, herbs, and aromatics. The result is a velvety, deeply satisfying ragu that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, feeding the family, or cooking ahead for the week, this recipe delivers robust flavor, minimal effort, and unforgettable comfort.

▶️ Ingredients (and How They Elevate the Dish)

◾️ Beef Short Ribs (2 lbs, bone-in): Provide rich marbling and bone flavor that give the sauce unmatched depth.
◾️ Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve a perfect golden sear.
◾️ Onion (1 large): Adds gentle sweetness and aroma.
◾️ Garlic (3 cloves): Boosts savory intensity.
◾️ Carrots & Celery (2 each): Form the classic Italian soffritto, building flavor from the base up.
◾️ Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz): Create a smooth, rich sauce foundation.
◾️ Tomato Paste (¼ cup): Thickens and deepens tomato richness.
◾️ Red Wine (1 cup): Adds elegance and complexity (broth works too).
◾️ Beef Broth (2 cups): Enhances body and umami.
◾️ Oregano & Thyme (1 tsp each): Warm herbs that complement slow-cooked beef.
◾️ Bay Leaves (2): Add subtle aromatic depth.
◾️ Salt & Pepper: Essential for perfect balance.
◾️ Fresh Basil or Parsley: A bright, fresh finishing touch.
◾️ Pappardelle or Rigatoni: Ideal pasta shapes to hold the thick sauce.

▶️ Step-by-Step Instructions

✅️ Sear the Short Ribs

◾️ Season ribs generously.
◾️ Sear in olive oil until browned on all sides.
◾️ Remove and set aside.

✅️ Sauté the Aromatics

◾️ Add onion, carrot, and celery.
◾️ Cook until softened.
◾️ Stir in garlic until fragrant.

✅️ Deglaze the Pot

◾️ Pour in red wine (or broth).
◾️ Scrape up the browned bits.
◾️ Let it reduce slightly.

✅️ Build the Sauce

◾️ Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, herbs, and seasoning.
◾️ Return the short ribs to the pot and submerge them.

✅️ Slow Cook to Perfection

◾️ Cover and simmer on low for 2.5–3 hours.
◾️ Ribs should fall apart easily.

✅️ Shred and Finish

◾️ Remove ribs, discard bones, and shred the meat.
◾️ Stir beef back into the sauce until fully combined.

▶️ Why This Recipe Is So Loved

🔹️ Deep, restaurant-quality flavor
🔹️ Comforting and hearty
🔹️ Easy yet impressive
🔹️ Even better the next day
🔹️ Freezer-friendly for future meals

▶️ Pro Tips for the Best Ragu

🔹️ Always sear the meat for maximum flavor.
🔹️ Use wine for deeper complexity.
🔹️ Simmer low and slow—don’t rush!
🔹️ Skim excess fat before serving.
🔹️ Pair with wide noodles for ideal sauce coverage.

▶️ Serving Suggestions

◾️ Serve over pappardelle, rigatoni, or creamy polenta.
◾️ Top with fresh basil or parsley.
◾️ Add freshly grated Parmesan.
◾️ Pair with crusty bread or a glass of red wine.

Conclusion

This Short Rib Beef Ragu proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated steps—just patience and quality ingredients. Slow-simmered, richly flavored, and effortlessly elegant, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Simple, comforting, and unbelievably delicious, this ragu truly stands out above the rest. Enjoy every bite! 🍝✨

Just tell me!

Slow Cooker Short Rib Beef Ragu