Spoon a generous portion of the Parmesan mashed potatoes onto each plate Recipe
This comforting Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes features tender, slow-braised beef short ribs simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce, served atop creamy Parmesan-infused mashed potatoes. The hearty, deeply flavorful ragu pairs perfectly with the cheesy, buttery potatoes making it an ideal dish for special family dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Short Rib Ragu
- 3–4 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Brown the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides for about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the Herbs and Return Short Ribs: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return the browned short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are mostly covered by the sauce.
- Slow Cook the Ragu: Cover and reduce heat to low. Braise the short ribs for 3-4 hours until meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
- Shred the Meat: Remove short ribs from sauce, shred the meat with two forks discarding bones. Return shredded meat to the pot, stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and milk; mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous portion of Parmesan mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with ladlefuls of short rib ragu.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For even more tender meat, cook the short ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours instead of stovetop braising.
- You can substitute heavy cream for milk in the mashed potatoes for an extra creamy texture.
- Leftover ragu can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use bone-in short ribs for best flavor; boneless can be used but cooking time may vary.
- Feel free to add a splash of red wine to the ragu for additional depth of flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: short rib ragu, parmesan mashed potatoes, braised short ribs, comfort food, Italian ragu recipe