Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Discover the rich, savory flavors of Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta for a comforting, mouthwatering meal everyone will love. This dish brings together tender, fall-apart short ribs slowly cooked in a deeply flavored sauce, paired perfectly with pasta that soaks up every delicious bite. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or an impressive dinner to share, this recipe promises layers of warmth and homestyle goodness that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor Depth: The long, slow simmer unlocks rich, complex notes in the short rib sauce that elevate simple pasta to something extraordinary.
• Perfectly Tender Meat: Short ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, making each bite incredibly satisfying and comforting.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: This dish brings cozy, familiar flavors that satisfy both adults and kids, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Easy to Customize: From pasta types to additional herbs and spices, the recipe adapts effortlessly to your pantry and tastes.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s simmering, the slow cooking allows you to relax or prep sides without worry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is built on simple but essential ingredients, each contributing uniquely to the sauce’s rich flavor profile, luscious texture, and vibrant color. These basics ensure your Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta tastes like a gourmet delight without complicated steps.

• Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled beef short ribs for the richest, most tender meat after slow cooking.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatics build the savory base that infuses the sauce with warmth.
• Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: They add body, acidity, and that classic deep red hue to the sauce.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and balances the richness of the meat with subtle fruity notes.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor while keeping the sauce perfectly juicy.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): These elevate the sauce with earthy, fragrant highlights.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Create richness and a smooth mouthfeel that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Pasta of Choice: Pick your favorite, like pappardelle or rigatoni, that holds sauce well.

Variations for Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this classic dish. You can easily adapt the sauce to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences with just a few tweaks.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to give your sauce a gentle heat.
• Mushroom Medley: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost that pairs beautifully with beef.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing texture.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil or oregano to change up the herbal profile while keeping it vibrant.
• Slow Cooker Style: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker for effortless, all-day cooking with minimal supervision.

How to Make Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

Begin by seasoning your short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, then sear the meat on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the ribs and in the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until soft and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the pan to embed their flavor into the base.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Red Wine

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its sweetness. Then pour in red wine, allowing it to simmer until reduced by half, enriching the sauce with a subtle acidity and complexity.

Step 4: Combine with Broth, Herbs, and Simmer

Return the short ribs to the pan, add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rosemary, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook low and slow for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat falls off the bone.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta and Finish Sauce

While the sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remove the ribs from the sauce, shred the meat, then stir it back in. Adjust seasoning, add a knob of butter for silkiness, and toss with pasta.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

• Pat Dry Before Searing: Dry short ribs brown better, creating more flavor through the Maillard reaction.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking breaks down collagen, giving you tender, juicy meat and a rich sauce.
• Use Quality Wine: Since wine is a key flavor, using a decent cooking wine or a bottle you’d enjoy drinking enhances the taste.
• Skim Excess Fat: During cooking, gently remove excess fat from the surface to keep the sauce balanced and not greasy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while mixing with pasta.

How to Serve Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta

Garnishes

Finish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil for a pop of freshness and added flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, plate the pasta in neat nests topped with a small heap of short rib meat and drizzle the sauce around artistically, garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sauce and pasta in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the shredded short rib sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed, to avoid drying out the sauce and to keep the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for this sauce?

Yes, while short ribs offer the best flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, chuck roast or brisket can also work well with some adjustments to cooking time.

What pasta type works best with Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta?

Wide noodles like pappardelle, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are ideal since they hold thick sauce and shredded meat beautifully.

How long does it take to cook the short ribs?

The slow simmer process generally takes 3 to 4 hours to achieve perfect tenderness, although times may vary depending on your stove or crockpot.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the short ribs and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Ensure the sauce cools completely before freezing in airtight containers for best results.

Final Thoughts

Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. With tender meat, rich sauce, and pasta that captures every bit of flavor, it’s a wonderful recipe to try anytime you want to impress or simply enjoy a comforting, indulgent meal. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite dinner!

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