Irresistible One Pot Short Rib Bolognese Recipe

Name: One Pot Short Rib Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef short ribs; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushed; 1 cup dry red wine; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 12 oz tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta; Salt and pepper to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

November 17, 2025

Updated:

November 17, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of a simmering pot of One Pot Short Rib Bolognese wafting through your home. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and as you enter your kitchen, the rich scent of slow-cooked beef and fragrant herbs envelops you like a cozy blanket. The promise of tender short ribs melting in your mouth combined with a tangy tomato sauce is enough to make anyone weak at the knees.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is perfect for any occasion. As you stir the pot, memories flood back—perhaps last year’s holiday feast where laughter echoed between bites or a rainy day when comfort food was non-negotiable. Trust me; this recipe will become a cherished favorite in no time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the process without stress.
The depth of flavor is unreal, with tender meat and aromatic herbs mingling perfectly.
Its rustic look makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
Perfect for cozy dinners but versatile enough for meal prep throughout the week.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how it tasted like something you’d find in a fancy Italian restaurant.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled beef short ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the sauce.
Onions: Use sweet onions; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Carrots: Fresh carrots provide natural sweetness and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add depth to your sauce with their aromatic pungency.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a richer taste; crush them before adding them to the pot.
Red Wine: A splash of dry red wine elevates the flavor—pick something you’d enjoy sipping!
Herbs (Basil and Oregano): Fresh basil and oregano are key; they brighten up the entire dish with their herbal notes.
Pasta (Tagliatelle or Pappardelle): Wide pasta varieties hold onto that luscious sauce like a best friend.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an irresistible salty finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

How to Make One Pot Short Rib Bolognese

Sear the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Once browned, remove short ribs from pot. In the same pot, add chopped onions and carrots; sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.

Mix in Garlic & Wine: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds incredible flavor!

Add Tomatoes & Herbs: Return short ribs to pot along with crushed canned tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Simmer to Perfection: Cover pot partially and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours on low heat until short ribs are fork-tender. The house will smell incredible!

Cook Pasta & Serve : While sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Serve pasta topped with generous portions of Bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

This One Pot Short Rib Bolognese is not just food—it’s love served on a plate! Enjoy every bite as it warms both your belly and your heart!

This amazing One Pot Short Rib Bolognese recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite. The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. You can easily adjust the seasonings based on your preferences, adding a personal touch that makes it uniquely yours.

You Must Know

When cooking short ribs, patience is key; low and slow yields tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Don’t rush this dish—the flavors develop beautifully over time, making it worth the wait.
You’ll impress family and friends with this delightful meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the short ribs until they’re beautifully browned, then remove them before sautéing onions and garlic for maximum flavor. Add the ingredients back in for a harmonious one-pot experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out short ribs for ground beef or turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. Additional veggies like carrots or mushrooms can enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfect tenderness, always let short ribs rest after cooking before shredding them.
This maintains their juiciness while enhancing texture.
Make sure to use high-quality tomatoes for an authentic flavor boost, elevating your Bolognese sauce to restaurant levels!

One unforgettable dinner involved this One Pot Short Rib Bolognese, where I had friends raving about seconds and thirds! Their delighted faces made all the simmering worthwhile.

FAQ

What kind of pasta goes well with One Pot Short Rib Bolognese?

Pappardelle or tagliatelle are traditional choices that complement the sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld.

How can I thicken my Bolognese sauce?

Simmer it longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.

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