One Pot Short Rib Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is a rich, hearty, and comforting Italian dish that combines tender, slow-cooked short ribs with a classic Bolognese sauce. This recipe allows you to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and the cooking process effortless. The slow-cooked short ribs are braised in a rich tomato sauce, simmered with garlic, onion, and herbs, creating an irresistible depth of flavor.

Bolognese is a beloved Italian meat sauce traditionally made with ground beef or pork, but this variation uses short ribs for a more indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this one-pot dish will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for a comforting, slow-cooked meal.

This recipe will guide you through each step of making One Pot Short Rib Bolognese, from searing the short ribs to slow simmering the sauce, offering tips for success, and suggesting fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

• Rich, Deep Flavor: The slow braising of short ribs in a tomato-based sauce creates a savory, rich flavor that is perfect for a comforting meal.
• Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat: The short ribs cook down to be incredibly tender, with the meat falling off the bone and blending seamlessly into the sauce.
• Easy Cleanup: With this one-pot recipe, all the cooking is done in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Served over your favorite pasta, One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is a filling meal that’s perfect for dinner with family or friends.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While it may look and taste like a gourmet dish, this recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require complicated steps, making it perfect for any level of cook.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-700 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 650-700 kcal
• Fat: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 40-45g
• Fiber: 4-5g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the One Pot Short Rib Bolognese:

• 3 pounds bone-in short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• 1 pound pasta (such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti)

Special Equipment

Although making One Pot Short Rib Bolognese doesn’t require specialized equipment, a few tools will make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A sturdy, large pot like a Dutch oven is perfect for browning the short ribs and simmering the sauce. It helps retain heat evenly and ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly.
2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: You’ll need a utensil to stir the sauce and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot after searing the short ribs. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works well for this purpose.
3. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping the vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, and garlic) quickly and evenly.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy with the wine, broth, and spices, having measuring cups and spoons on hand is key for a balanced flavor.
5. Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping the short ribs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs

Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This helps build a flavorful crust when they are seared in the pot.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the short ribs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the ribs on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are deeply browned. Use tongs to flip the ribs and ensure they brown evenly. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir the vegetables to coat them in the leftover oil and fond from the short ribs. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and begun to caramelize. This step adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Pour the dry red wine (if using) into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. These brown bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to the sauce. Allow the wine to cook for about 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.

4. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring that the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Add the dried Italian herbs (or your chosen herbs), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

5. Return the Short Ribs to the Pot

Once the sauce is simmering, return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Add a bay leaf to the pot for extra flavor. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the short ribs to braise for 2-2.5 hours. During this time, the meat will become tender and infuse the sauce with its rich flavor.

6. Shred the Short Ribs

After the short ribs have braised and the meat is tender, remove the ribs from the pot. Let them cool slightly before shredding the meat. Use two forks to pull the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and return the shredded meat to the pot, stirring it into the sauce. At this point, you can also add the whole milk or heavy cream if you prefer a creamier Bolognese sauce.

7. Simmer the Sauce

Stir the shredded short ribs into the sauce, making sure everything is well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and develop more flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

8. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to adjust the consistency if it becomes too thick.

9. Serve the One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

To serve, divide the cooked pasta between plates and ladle the rich short rib Bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

• Sear the Short Ribs Well: Don’t rush the searing process. Take your time to get a good brown crust on the short ribs, as this adds flavor to the sauce.
• Use Bone-In Short Ribs: Bone-in short ribs are ideal for this recipe because the bones add extra richness and flavor to the sauce as they braise.
• Don’t Skip the Wine: The red wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with more beef broth.
• Shred the Meat After Braising: The meat will be tender after braising, making it easy to shred. Shredding it ensures the meat blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.

Variations of One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

• Vegetarian Short Rib Bolognese: Substitute the short ribs with a hearty plant-based protein, such as lentils, for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. You can also use mushrooms to create a similar meaty texture.
• Spicy One Pot Short Rib Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Bolognese with Pork: For a different take, swap the short ribs with pork shoulder or ground pork. Pork has a naturally sweet flavor that works wonderfully in Bolognese sauce.
• Creamy One Pot Short Rib Bolognese: For a richer, creamier version, increase the amount of cream or add a little mascarpone cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.

Storage and Shelf Life

One Pot Short Rib Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little beef broth or pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

For longer storage, freeze the Bolognese sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

Pair your One Pot Short Rib Bolognese with these delicious sides:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or a simple green bean almondine provide a light, crunchy contrast to the hearty Bolognese.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the Bolognese and provides a refreshing bite.
• Cheese and Wine: Serve the meal with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Barolo, and finish with a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano for an authentic Italian touch.

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Conclusion

One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is a rich, flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. The tender short ribs and rich, slow-simmered sauce make for an unforgettable meal that will impress anyone at the dinner table. With simple ingredients and a few hours of patience, you can create an extraordinary dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this one-pot wonder!