Description
A rich, slow-simmered tomato-based sauce featuring tender beef short ribs and savory Italian sausage, perfect for a traditional family meal.
Ingredients
1 cup red wine, plus ¼ cup
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 beef short ribs
1 large onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and drained
Instructions
Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the short ribs in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the browned short ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in 1 cup of red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
Step 6: Add the whole peeled tomatoes (crushing them with your hands as you add them), tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
Step 7: Return the seared short ribs to the pot. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the short ribs are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 8: During the last hour of cooking, add the cooked and drained Italian sausage to the sauce.
Step 9: Before serving, stir in the fresh Italian parsley and the remaining ¼ cup of red wine (if desired, for a fresher flavor). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 10: Serve hot over your favorite pasta, with crusty bread, or creamy polenta. Enjoy!
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can add a parmesan rind to the sauce during the simmering process. Remember that the longer this sauce simmers, the more developed and delicious it will become. Don't be afraid to make a double batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups sauce with meat
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg