Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Name: Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds short ribs; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary); 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Tender Short Rib Ragu served over creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes. Perfectly braised short ribs simmer in a rich, savory sauce, delivering meltingly tender bites that pair beautifully with the velvety mash. This hearty dish is ideal for a cozy Sunday dinner that will warm your soul and impress your guests.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2025-11-25T05:05:17.813Z

This dish brings together the rich flavors of tender short ribs and creamy mashed potatoes, making it an unforgettable meal.

A Classic Comfort Food

Tender Short Rib Ragu over Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food at its finest. The rich flavors of the ragu, combined with the creamy, cheesy potatoes, create a symphony of taste and texture that is hard to resist. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

What sets this recipe apart is the slow cooking method that transforms tough short ribs into tender, juicy morsels. Simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables and savory liquids, the ribs absorb all those delightful flavors, creating a sauce that is thick and velvety. Each bite of meat paired with the buttery mashed potatoes is a bite of pure satisfaction.

Perfect for Entertaining

If you’re looking to impress your guests, this Tender Short Rib Ragu is an ideal choice. With its elegant presentation and robust flavor profile, it makes for a stunning centerpiece. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its aroma, which will fill your home and set the perfect vibe for a dinner party.

Pair this dish with a sustainably-sourced wine that complements the richness of the beef, and you've created an unforgettable dining experience. Your guests will be raving about this meal long after the last bite is gone, ensuring that it earns a permanent spot in your entertaining repertoire.

Make Ahead and Store

One of the many advantages of this ragu is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can make the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer preservation. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it taste even better when reheated.

To reheat, simply warm the ragu on the stove and prepare fresh mashed potatoes as needed. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish without the hassle on busy weeknights. It's a great way to enjoy a gourmet meal on a regular basis without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Short Rib Ragu

2 pounds short ribs
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)

For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the ingredients as listed above

Instructions

Brown the Short Ribs

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Liquids and Simmer

Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and herbs to the pot. Return the short ribs to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the ragu is cooking, boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese; mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Remove the short ribs from the ragu, shred the meat and return it to the sauce. Serve the ragu over a generous portion of Parmesan mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredient Tips

When selecting short ribs, look for well-marbled pieces as this fat content is what makes them so tender and flavorful after cooking. You can ask your butcher for specific cuts or even opt for boneless short ribs for easier shredding.

For the Parmesan mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold varieties are a great choice due to their natural buttery flavor. Don't skip on the fresh Parmesan cheese; it adds a depth of flavor that pre-packaged cheese simply cannot match. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect balance.

Proper Cooking Techniques

Browning the short ribs before simmering is a crucial step in building flavor. This process caramelizes the surface of the meat, creating a delicious crust that adds depth to the overall dish. Ensure you're not crowding the pot when browning, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing.

Also, remember that patience is key when simmering the ragu. The longer you can let it cook, the more tender the meat will become, and the flavors will deepen. If time permits, consider letting it sit overnight in the fridge; the result will be even tastier the next day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ragu a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

→ What wine is best for cooking?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.