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Dutch oven short rib ragu with pappardelle pasta topped with parmesan cheese

Dutch Oven Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle

Slowly braised short ribs in a rich, hearty tomato sauce served over pappardelle pasta. The meat becomes fall-apart tender after hours of gentle simmering in a Dutch oven, creating the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 809

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 lbs boneless short ribs trim excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 rib celery diced
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 10 oz pappardelle pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat dry boneless short ribs with paper towels, trim off excess fat, and generously season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once oil is hot, brown meat in two batches, searing for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low and add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft and starting to caramelize.
  4. Add smashed garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for another minute.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Return browned meat with any accumulated juices to the pot.
  6. Turn heat to high and bring liquid to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is fall-apart tender.
  7. After the first 40 minutes of braising, stir more frequently to prevent burning. If sauce reduces too much, add water and continue cooking until fully done.
  8. When meat is almost done, boil a separate pot of water and cook pappardelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking water, and set aside.
  9. When meat is fully cooked and fall-apart tender, add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
  10. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors, then turn off heat and serve.

Notes

Use boneless short ribs rather than bone-in as they have less fat. Can substitute pappardelle with rigatoni, cavatappi, or fusilli. Cooking time may vary depending on size of short ribs. Can cook in oven at 350°F for 2-1/2 to 3 hours instead of stovetop. Sauce is even better the next day. Serve with generous Parmesan and crusty bread.
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