Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

If you’re craving a deeply satisfying Italian meal that brings a touch of restaurant-quality indulgence right into your home kitchen, this Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta is your new best friend. Combining tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with a rich, slow-cooked sauce and perfectly al dente pasta, this dish delivers an irresistible blend of hearty flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or impressing guests, this recipe is all about creating a memorable and delicious experience with ingredients that speak for themselves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deeply Flavorful Sauce: The slow simmer unlocks the rich, savory depth of the short ribs, infusing the sauce with incredible taste that hits every note of comfort.
• Perfectly Tender Meat: Simmering for hours makes the short ribs melt effortlessly, creating a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for complicated components; each ingredient plays a vital role in building the sauce’s complexity and balance.
• Ideal for Entertaining: This dish impresses with its rustic charm and hearty appeal, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
• Versatile Meal: Easily adaptable to different pasta types and customizable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fundamental ingredients is the key to making this Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta come alive. Each element enriches flavor, body, or aroma, creating a perfectly balanced sauce and pasta dish that feels both indulgent and approachable.

• Beef short ribs: Choose bone-in for maximum flavor and richness in your sauce.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, caramelized foundation that melds perfectly with the meat.
• Carrots and celery: Classic soffritto veggies add subtle earthiness and depth.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic notes essential to Italian cooking.
• Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: These ingredients contribute tang, color, and thickness, making the sauce luscious.
• Red wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the fattiness of the ribs.
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty savoriness, helping keep the meat moist during simmering.
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, bay leaves): Elevate the sauce with aromatic herbal layers.
• Olive oil: For browning the ribs and sautéing the vegetables, bringing richness and depth.
• Pasta of choice: Thick, sturdy shapes like pappardelle or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning throughout the cooking process for balanced flavors.

Variations for Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! It’s wonderfully versatile, so whether you want to tweak the ingredients for dietary needs or simply add your own spin, it’s easy to tailor this sauce to your liking.

• Use Different Cuts: Swap short ribs for brisket or chuck roast for a similar slow-cooked effect with a different texture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with mushrooms and eggplant for a hearty plant-based version that’s still rich and savory.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to bring warmth and a hint of heat.
• Alternative Pastas: Try this sauce with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to fit dietary preferences.
• Fresh Tomato Variation: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned for a slightly brighter, fresher flavor during summer months.

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How to Make Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

Start by patting your short ribs dry and seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, forming a rich crust that locks in flavor. This step builds the foundation for your sauce, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the browned ribs and add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes. This soffritto creates the flavor base to complement the beef’s richness perfectly.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s pure flavor magic. Let the wine reduce by half, then stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth, combining everything thoroughly.

Step 4: Slow Simmer the Sauce

Return the short ribs to the pot, add fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened into a luscious, flavorful embrace.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

About 20 minutes before your sauce is done, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Shred and Combine

Remove the ribs from the sauce and shred the meat off the bones, discarding fat and bones. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then toss with your cooked pasta for that perfect, hearty finish.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

• Patience is Key: Low and slow simmering unlocks the soft, tender texture you want for the ribs every time.
• Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning during the long cook.
• Don’t Skip Browning: This step adds intense flavor and complexity that a quick cook can’t match.
• Deglaze with Wine: Red wine not only adds acidity but also helps lift all those caramelized bits, deepening the sauce’s taste.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a few spoonfuls of pasta water to the sauce helps it cling beautifully to the noodles.

How to Serve Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese always elevates the dish. Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the sauce’s richness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a light contrast, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus also complement the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic feel, pile the pasta high in deep bowls, topped with a spoonful of sauce and short rib shreds. Alternatively, try layering the sauce and pasta in individual oven-safe dishes, topped with cheese and baked for a bubbly finish reminiscent of baked ziti.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers a delicious bonus.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Freeze the pasta separately if possible to avoid mushiness when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Warm the pasta separately in boiling water for just a minute or two, then toss together for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless short ribs will work, but bone-in ribs typically add more depth of flavor and richness to the sauce.

How long should I simmer the sauce?

The ideal simmer time is 3 to 4 hours on low heat to ensure the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens perfectly.

What pasta pairs best with this sauce?

Hearty pastas like pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold up well to the thick meat sauce and soak up all the delicious flavors.

Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning, transfer ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for similar tender results.

Is red wine necessary in the recipe?

While red wine adds wonderful depth and acidity, you can substitute with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar if you prefer to avoid alcohol.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen with a warm, satisfying dish, the Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta is the perfect choice. Its rich flavors, tender meat, and comforting pasta make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So gather your ingredients, take your time with the simmer, and enjoy every delightful bite with your favorite people around the table.

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