Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a dish that dances on your taste buds, with rich, savory flavors wrapped in a cozy embrace. Picture this: melt-in-your-mouth short ribs swimming in a luxurious ragu, paired with creamy mashed potatoes that whisper sweet nothings to your palate. Crispy Pretzel Chicken Homemade Peppercorn Sauce.
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to impress friends or simply spoil yourself on a chilly evening, this dish is the culinary hug you’ve been craving. Trust me; it’s like a warm blanket on a cold day—delicious, comforting, and utterly soul-satisfying. For more inspiration, check out this crispy German potato pancakes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for entertaining
- The depth of flavor will leave you dreaming about it long after dinner
- Plus, the visual appeal will have your guests snapping photos instead of just eating!
- It’s versatile enough to be served at any gathering or family meal
I once made this dish for my family’s annual gathering, and let me tell you, the ragu practically stole the show—everyone was asking for seconds (and thirds) while I quietly basked in my culinary glory.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Short Ribs: Opt for bone-in short ribs for richer flavor and tenderness during cooking.
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Onions: Sweet onions provide a wonderful base flavor; chop them finely for even cooking.
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Carrots: These add natural sweetness; use fresh ones and dice them small.
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Celery: Adds depth; make sure it’s fresh and chop it equally with the carrots.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses aromatic goodness into the ragu.
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Tomato Paste: Essential for that deep tomato flavor; don’t skip this step!
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Red Wine: A good-quality wine enhances overall flavor; remember: no cooking wine!
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Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels in the ragu. Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it makes the mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy.
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Potatoes: Yukon Golds are perfect for mash; they’re buttery and smooth when cooked.
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Butter and Cream: Both are essential for achieving those silky mashed potatoes.
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Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaves): These elevate flavors beautifully; use fresh whenever possible.
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Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste—don’t be shy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop the vegetables finely so they cook evenly. This will save you time later!
Sear the Short Ribs: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper then sear them until browned on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds incredible flavor!
Sauté Vegetables: Remove short ribs from the pot and add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened—about 5-7 minutes—until the aroma fills your kitchen like a delicious invitation.
Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in tomato paste and cook until caramelized. Pour in red wine, scraping up any brown bits—this adds depth! Let it simmer until reduced by half.
Add Broth and Herbs: Return short ribs to pot, adding beef broth along with thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and let simmer gently for around 2-3 hours until tender.
Make Mashed Potatoes: While your ragu simmers away happily, peel potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well before mashing them with butter, cream, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan until silky smooth.
Now you have an aromatic ragu bubbling away while creamy mashed potatoes beckon from another pot!
Serve your glorious tender short rib ragu over those silky parmesan mashed potatoes. Each spoonful will remind you why cooking can be such an enjoyable adventure—full of flavors, laughter, and memories waiting to be made!
You Must Know
- Tender short rib ragu over silky parmesan mashed potatoes is a decadent dish that warms the soul
- The rich flavors combined with creamy potatoes create comfort food perfection, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners
- Don’t forget to savor every bite as this dish is pure bliss!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the short ribs for maximum flavor, then slow-cook while you prepare the mashed potatoes. This order ensures everything is perfectly timed and deliciously melded together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out short ribs for chuck roast or add herbs like rosemary for an aromatic twist. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours, enhancing its charm.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat to maintain flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution while cooking your ragu
- Make sure to taste as you go for seasoning adjustments
- For extra creaminess in your mashed potatoes, use a mix of butter and cream
Creating this tender short rib ragu was a labor of love, but hearing my family’s delighted reactions was worth every moment in the kitchen. colorful fruit skewers.
FAQ
What can I substitute for short ribs?
You can use chuck roast or brisket if short ribs aren’t available.
How long should I cook the ragu?
Slow-cook the ragu for at least two hours for tender meat and rich flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; flavors deepen overnight.

Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, featuring melt-in-your-mouth short ribs enveloped in a rich, savory ragu, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at gatherings. With its irresistible flavors and delightful presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in short ribs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (preferably dry)
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh thyme and bay leaves (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Chop vegetables finely for even cooking.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, season short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side), then set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste until caramelized; pour in red wine and simmer until reduced by half.
- Return short ribs to the pot with beef broth and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2-3 hours until tender.
- Boil Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter, cream, salt, pepper, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Ladle the ragu over creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg