Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta Recipe

Name: Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 to 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 cups red wine; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb pasta of choice (pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine recommended); Extra olive oil, for tossing cooked pasta; Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese, for garnish (optional); Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

by zaha man

February 12, 2026

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Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta is a rich and hearty Italian dish featuring tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce, combined with perfectly al dente pasta. This dish captures the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this meal is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Simmered Short Rib

This slow-cooked beef dish offers a plethora of benefits that make it a favorite among home cooks:

It’s a low and slow short rib recipe that enhances the beef flavors.
The tender slow-cooked beef practically falls off the bone.
This meal is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a gourmet feast.
It uses simple ingredients to create complex flavors.
Great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated.
This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, making it versatile.

With its delicious slow-braised short ribs, this recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. The classic braised short rib dish is an Italian delight that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients for Slow Simmered Short Rib

Gather these items:

2 to 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb pasta of choice (pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine recommended)
Extra olive oil, for tossing cooked pasta
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese, for garnish (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Slow Simmered Short Rib Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat the short ribs dry and season generously 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 until a rich crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove ribs and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently over medium heat until softened and fragrant, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth until well combined.
Step 4: Return the short ribs to the pot. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Remove short ribs from sauce. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding fat and bones. Stir shredded meat back into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss sauce and meat mixture with pasta until evenly coated.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Simmered Short Rib

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Feel free to use your preferred pasta type.
For added flavor, consider marinating the short ribs overnight in your favorite spices.
Using a slow cooker for this recipe can also yield tender results for an easy slow-cooked short rib dish.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Simmered Short Rib

This dish pairs well with:

Garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
A simple green salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Simmered Short Rib

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only get better as they sit, making this perfect for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This method will help maintain the tender texture of the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Simmered Short Rib

What is a slow simmered short rib?

A slow simmered short rib is a cut of beef that has been cooked slowly in a flavorful liquid, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. This cooking method allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the beef. Learn more about short ribs here.

Can I make slow simmered short rib ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow simmered short rib?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure to brown the short ribs well before simmering, as this adds depth of flavor. Also, don’t rush the cooking time; low and slow is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Variations of Slow Simmered Short Rib You Can Try

Consider these variations:

Using different herbs like thyme or oregano for varied flavors.
Substituting beef broth with a mix of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
Adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
Experimenting with different pasta shapes to keep it interesting.

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Explore more recipes for delicious meal ideas. Don’t forget to check out our Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza or our Hot Honey Flatbread Pizza for a delightful twist on your dinner table. For a refreshing dessert, try our Gingerbread Ice Cream Recipe to round off your meal!