Slow-Braised Short Rib Ragù

Beef that falls apart into a deep, glossy sauce. Worth every minute.

Prep
30 mins
Cook
3 hrs 30 mins
Serves
4
Level
Medium

Short ribs have lots of connective tissue. Cooked slowly, it melts and makes the sauce silky, so you do not need cream or butter.

Make it a day ahead if you can. The flavour gets better overnight, and cold fat is easy to lift off the top.

Ingredients

Serves 4

The braise

To serve

Method

  1. Brown the ribs

    Season the ribs well. Brown them on all sides in the oil in a large casserole, in batches, for 10–12 minutes. Set aside.

    Timer: 11:00

  2. Soften the vegetables

    Lower the heat. Cook the onion, carrot and celery for 8 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and tomato purée for 1 minute.

    Timer: 8:00

  3. Deglaze

    Pour in the wine and let it bubble until reduced by half, scraping the bottom of the pan.

    Timer: 3:00

  4. Braise

    Add the tomatoes, stock, bay and ribs. Cover and cook in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan) for 3 hours.

    Timer: 3:00:00

  5. Shred and serve

    Pull out the bones, shred the meat into the sauce, and toss with cooked pappardelle and parmesan.

Questions about this recipe

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meat and vegetables first, then cook on low for 8 hours.