Short Rib Pasta Bolognese Recipe
This Short Rib Pasta Bolognese Recipe features tender beef short ribs, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmered into a rich, hearty sauce perfect for pasta.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 620 kcal
For the Short Rib Bolognese
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta pappardelle or fettuccine
- Salted water for boiling
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot oil and let them sear without moving for a few minutes.
This step is where the magic begins. That deep brown crust builds flavor that will carry through the entire dish.
Once browned on all sides, remove the ribs and set them aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir gently and let them cook until softened and slightly golden.
This mixture creates a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.
Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the red wine and use your spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step adds incredible depth.
Let the wine reduce slightly, then add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and thyme.
Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Simmer
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
This is where patience pays off. The meat slowly becomes tender, the sauce thickens, and all the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 5: Shred the Meat
Remove the short ribs from the pot. They should be so tender that they fall apart easily.
Shred the meat with a fork, discard the bones, and return the meat to the sauce.
Let it simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente.
Before draining, reserve a small cup of pasta water.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Add the pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Always sear the meat properly for deep flavor
- Cook low and slow — don’t rush the process
- Taste and adjust seasoning as it cooks
- Use wide pasta so the sauce clings well
Keyword Short Rib Pasta Bolognese Recipe