Irresistible Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Name: Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 lbs short ribs; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 medium-sized carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup red wine (full-bodied); 3 cups beef broth; 2 lbs peeled potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tbsp unsalted butter

Recipe By:

Alison Shear

Posted:

August 19, 2025

Updated:

August 19, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The savory aroma of slow-cooked short ribs mingling with the creamy richness of Parmesan mashed potatoes is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture this: a cozy evening, maybe a light drizzle outside, and you’re wrapped up in your favorite blanket, ready to dig into a bowl of Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. It’s comfort food that hugs you back.

Now, if you want to impress your friends or family and create an unforgettable meal without needing a culinary degree, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings when you want to wow your guests but still have time to binge-watch your favorite series between cooking steps. Prepare for flavor explosions that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes combines rich flavors with comforting textures, making it ideal for special occasions or cozy dinners.
The simple preparation means you can enjoy delicious home-cooked food without stressful kitchen time.
Its vibrant presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner table, while the versatility allows for pairing with various sides.
Perfect for creating lasting memories around the dinner table!

Ingredients for Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

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

Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled ribs; they’ll turn tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Onion: A large onion adds depth to the ragu; make sure it’s firm and fresh.
Carrots: Use two medium-sized carrots; their sweetness balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Celery Stalks: These add crunch and flavor; opt for crisp, bright green stalks.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied wine; it enhances the ragu’s flavor profile beautifully.

For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:

Peeled Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for creamy mash.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum flavor impact in your mashed potatoes.
Butter: Unsalted butter will provide richness without adding too much salt.

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

Recipe preparation for Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

How to Make Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic—this will be your aromatic base. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; we’re going for flavor here!

Step 2: Sear Those Ribs

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add some oil and sear those short ribs on all sides until they’re beautifully browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step is crucial; it locks in all those glorious juices.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the ribs from the pot and toss in your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté them until softened (around 5 minutes). Your kitchen should now smell like heaven!

Step 4: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in about a cup of red wine to deglaze the pot, scrapping up those tasty brown bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half (approximately another 5 minutes).

Step 5: Slow Cook

Return the short ribs to the pot along with broth and seasonings. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to low heat. Cover and let simmer for about two hours until tender enough that they practically fall off the bone.

Step 6: Prepare Your Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

While your ragu simmers away like magic, peel and chop your potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender (roughly about 15-20 minutes), then drain and mash them together with butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until creamy.

Transfer to plates and drizzle hearty ragu over fluffy mashed potatoes for that ultimate finishing touch! Enjoy every mouthful of this soul-soothing dish!

You Must Know

This Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a meal that warms the soul.
It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in.
The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the short ribs to lock in those juicy flavors. While they’re browning, whip up your potatoes so they’re ready when the ragu is done simmering. Multitasking is key to making this dish shine!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out short ribs for chuck roast if that’s what you have on hand. Add some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or toss in seasonal veggies like carrots or peas for added color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop for optimal flavor and texture, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a good quality red wine; it makes all the difference in depth of flavor.
Don’t rush the simmering process; let those flavors meld together beautifully.
When making mashed potatoes, use warmed milk to keep them creamy and smooth.

Sometimes, I make this dish just so I can bask in its glory while my friends rave about how it tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s a surefire way to gather everyone around the table!

FAQs :

What is Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes?

Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a flavorful dish that combines tender braised short ribs in a rich tomato-based sauce with creamy mashed potatoes enriched with Parmesan cheese. The slow-cooked short ribs develop a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery mashed potatoes. This dish is ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions.

How long does it take to prepare Short Rib Ragu?

Preparing Short Rib Ragu typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, including the braising time. The actual hands-on preparation might only take around 30 minutes, where you brown the short ribs and sauté the vegetables. The rest of the time involves slow cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

Can I make Short Rib Ragu ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Short Rib Ragu ahead of time. In fact, this dish often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. After cooking, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving alongside freshly made Parmesan mashed potatoes.

What can I serve with Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes?

Besides Parmesan mashed potatoes, you can serve Short Rib Ragu with a variety of sides. Consider adding roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to complement the richness of the ragu. A glass of red wine also pairs beautifully with this hearty meal, enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dining experience.

Conclusion for Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes :

Short Rib Ragu with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes offers a delicious combination of flavors that is perfect for any occasion. The tender short ribs braised in a savory sauce create an irresistible main course, while the creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side. This dish not only warms your heart but also showcases classic culinary techniques. Whether you prepare it for family gatherings or special celebrations, this recipe will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

0 Shares