Tender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This Tender Short Rib Ragu served over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners. The rich, slow-cooked short ribs melt in your mouth, while the creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base. It’s a classic combination that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs short ribs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Return the browned short ribs to the pot and add the beef broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2-3 hours until the meat is very tender.
- Step 5: While the ragu simmers, cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Step 6: Mash the potatoes with butter, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Once the short ribs are tender, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and mix it back into the sauce.
- Step 8: Serve the shredded short rib ragu generously over the parmesan mashed potatoes. Garnish as desired and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a bay leaf or fresh thyme to the ragu while it simmers.
- Substitute heavy cream with sour cream for a tangier mashed potato variation.
- Use marrow bones or extra beef broth to enrich the ragu flavor further.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the ragu uncovered for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. The mashed potatoes may thicken upon standing; stir in a little extra milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of short ribs?
Yes, you can use beef chuck or brisket as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust cooking time until the meat is tender.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the short ribs and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the liquids. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.
PrintTender Short Rib Ragu Over Silky Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Tender Short Rib Ragu served over silky Parmesan mashed potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. The rich, slow-simmered short ribs are cooked to perfection in a flavorful vegetable and red wine-infused sauce, paired beautifully with creamy, cheesy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs short ribs
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Dairy
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Short Ribs: Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown each side of the short ribs for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep, rich crust. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the Ragu: Return the browned short ribs to the pot and pour in the low-sodium beef broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the ragu simmers, boil the peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
- Mash and Finish the Potatoes: Mash the drained potatoes with unsalted butter, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the short ribs are tender, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and mix some of the sauce in. Serve the hearty ragu spooned generously over the creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate short ribs in red wine and herbs overnight before cooking.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russet potatoes for a more fluffy mash.
- If time is limited, use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time of the short ribs to about 1 hour.
- Leftover ragu tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: short rib ragu, parmesan mashed potatoes, slow simmered short ribs, comfort food, hearty dinner, Italian ragu, creamy mashed potatoes

