The aroma of slow-cooked meat wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine a rich, savory Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, simmered to perfection and served with a flourish. Your taste buds will rejoice at the first bite, as the tender short ribs melt in your mouth and the creamy potatoes provide a comforting counterpoint. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday dinner or an extravagant holiday feast, this recipe has a way of bringing people together. Trust me; there’s nothing like watching friends and family gather around the table, eyes wide in anticipation as you present this culinary masterpiece. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey!

I still remember the look on my friend Sarah’s face when she took her first bite of this dish—utter bliss followed by an enthusiastic request for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled short ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor when cooked low and slow.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances the richness of the ragu.

• Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and texture to balance out the savory meat.

• Celery: Finely chopped celery contributes depth and a subtle aromatic flavor to the ragu.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for that incredible aroma and rich flavor profile.

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes; they’re sweeter and less acidic than regular canned tomatoes.

• Red Wine: A good red wine adds complexity; choose one you’d enjoy drinking.

• Beef Broth: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works in a pinch; just watch the sodium levels!

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in those creamy mashed potatoes.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich finish in your mashed potatoes without overwhelming saltiness.

• Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors throughout the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Brown the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper before searing until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Sauté Aromatics: Remove short ribs from pot and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Wine: Pour in canned tomatoes along with their juices and red wine. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

Add Broth: Return short ribs to the pot, then pour in beef broth until everything is submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.

Slow Cook: Cover pot partially with a lid; let it simmer slowly for about 3 hours or until short ribs are fork-tender. The aroma will be irresistible!

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While ragu simmers away, peel potatoes and boil them until tender. Drain well before mashing with butter, cream, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan until smooth.

Serve this masterpiece hot by ladling generous portions of ragu over creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes. Get ready for compliments galore!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the short ribs to lock in flavor, then slow-cook them while preparing creamy mashed potatoes for a seamless experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a lighter version, or add extra herbs like thyme for an aromatic twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain that rich flavor.

Creating this Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes was a game-changer during my last family gathering, turning skeptics into fans instantly.

FAQ

Can I use other cuts of meat?

Definitely! Chuck roast or brisket can work well in place of short ribs.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the ragu beautifully.

How do I make my mashed potatoes creamier?

Add more butter and warm milk while mashing to achieve that dreamy texture.

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Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a luxurious comfort food experience, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Tender short ribs are simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, served atop creamy mashed potatoes infused with freshly grated Parmesan. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it a standout meal that brings everyone together. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until onions are translucent.
3. Add canned tomatoes and red wine; scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Return short ribs to the pot and pour in beef broth until submerged. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
5. Cover partially and cook for about 3 hours or until short ribs are fork-tender.
6. While ragu simmers, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and Parmesan until smooth.
7. Serve hot by ladling ragu over mashed potatoes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 300g)
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg