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Short Rib Pasta Bolognese Recipe

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
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Pasta pot
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

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.

Notes

  • 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