One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth on chilly evenings, then this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is just the recipe you need! Picture a bubbling pot of rich, hearty sauce simmering away while the aroma fills your home. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends, this comforting bowl of goodness is perfect for any occasion.

What makes this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese special is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl. The combination of tender short ribs and luscious sauce makes it irresistible. Plus, the one-pot aspect means less cleanup—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy your time in the kitchen without stress.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good pasta dish! The hearty flavors are sure to please even picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Cook it ahead of time! The flavors deepen and improve when stored, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is packed with rich, savory goodness that warms the soul and satisfies your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients will be a breeze! They are simple, wholesome, and perfect for creating that comforting bowl of One Pot Short Rib Bolognese. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce

• 2 1/2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced carrot
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups dry white grape juice
• 28 oz San Marzano peeled whole tomatoes
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 parmesan cheese rind

For the Pasta

• 10 oz egg pappardelle
• 1 cup water (or more) or beef broth
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp apple vinegar

Variations

This One Pot Short Rib Bolognese recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment and make it your own:

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for an alternative, try using beef chuck roast or even ground beef for a quicker version.
• Add more veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Change up the pasta: While pappardelle is delightful, you can swap it out for any pasta shape you prefer—fettuccine or rigatoni would work beautifully!
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to give your sauce an extra kick if you like things spicy.

How to Make One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

Step 1: Season the Ribs

Start by seasoning those beautiful short ribs liberally with salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it enhances the meat’s flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

Heat your trusty Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the short ribs and let them cook until they are browned and crusty on all sides. This caramelization adds depth to your sauce!

Step 3: Prepare Your Veggies

While those ribs are getting nicely browned, toss carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into a food processor. Pulse until they’re very finely chopped. If you prefer chopping by hand, just make sure they’re finely diced so they cook evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Veggie Mixture

After browning your short ribs, remove them from the pot. Drain all but two tablespoons of fat. Add your finely chopped veggie mix along with half a teaspoon of salt. Sauté until they soften slightly—this step builds flavor!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Next up is adding tomato paste to the softened veggies; cook it for about one minute before adding apple vinegar. Simmer until reduced—it’s all about layering those flavors! Stir in remaining salt, canned tomatoes, sugar, cinnamon, and parmesan rind.

Step 6: Slow Cook Your Ribs

Return those gorgeous short ribs back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat. Cover with a lid and let it simmer low and slow for three to four hours until fork-tender.

Step 7: Cook Your Pasta

Once your meat is tender enough to shred easily, take them out along with that parmesan rind. Stir in water or beef broth before bringing it back to a simmer. Toss in your pasta and cook until al dente—this is where things get exciting!

Step 8: Shred & Combine

As your pasta cooks away happily in that rich sauce, take this moment to shred your beef into bite-sized pieces.

Step 9: Final Touches

Once your pasta has cooked perfectly within that luscious sauce, return shredded beef back into the pot along with vinegar and milk. Toss everything together gently; if needed, add more water for consistency.

Now taste test! Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm garnished with fresh parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy every single comforting bite of this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

Cooking is all about enjoying the process and making the most of your ingredients, so here are some tips to elevate your One Pot Short Rib Bolognese experience!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality canned tomatoes will enhance the overall flavor of your dish, creating a depth that frozen or subpar options can’t match.
• Don’t rush the browning – Taking the time to brown the short ribs properly creates a delicious crust that adds rich flavors to your sauce. Remember, patience pays off!
• Adjust seasoning as you go – Taste your sauce throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. This will help balance flavors and make sure every bite is delicious.
• Let it rest – After cooking, allow your Bolognese to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps meld all those wonderful flavors together!
• Experiment with herbs – Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano during the simmering process to give an extra touch of Italian flair to your dish.

How to Serve One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

Serving your One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is just as important as cooking it! A beautiful presentation can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or basil – A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – While optional, a light dusting of Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also gives a lovely finish to each bowl.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite!
• Mixed Green Salad – A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty Bolognese, balancing out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add a colorful and nutritious side that complements the meal beautifully.
• Polenta or Risotto – Creamy polenta or risotto can serve as an elegant base for your Bolognese, capturing every drop of that delightful sauce while adding creaminess to each bite.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to impress family and friends with this comforting One Pot Short Rib Bolognese! Enjoy every cozy moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal dish to whip up in advance. It keeps well, allowing you to enjoy hearty comfort food throughout the week without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow your Bolognese to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled Bolognese into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For stovetop: Place the Bolognese in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I use different pasta with my One Pot Short Rib Bolognese?

Absolutely! While egg pappardelle is traditional, feel free to substitute with any pasta of your choice. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I know when my One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is done?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily shredded. Check after about three hours of cooking; if it’s not ready, let it simmer longer until it reaches that tender state.

Can I make this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese in advance?

Yes! This dish stores beautifully and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just follow the storage tips above!

What can I serve with One Pot Short Rib Bolognese?

This rich sauce pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even polenta for a comforting meal.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese?

While this recipe is designed around short ribs, you can substitute with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese brings warmth and joy to your dinner table! It’s truly a special recipe that embodies comfort and love on chilly nights. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!