Braised short ribs with ricotta gnocchi is the ultimate indulgence—a rich, slow-cooked beef dish paired with soft, pillowy gnocchi. The deep, savory flavors of the short ribs, simmered in a luscious sauce, perfectly complement the light and airy ricotta gnocchi. This dish is a restaurant-worthy meal that you can make in your own kitchen, ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Braised Short Ribs:
• 4 bone-in short ribs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 bay leaf
For the Ricotta Gnocchi:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Braised Short Ribs:
Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and let it reduce by half. Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and braise at 160°C (325°F) for 3 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Make the Ricotta Gnocchi:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, flour, salt, and pepper until a dough forms. On a floured surface, roll the dough into thin ropes and cut into small gnocchi pieces. Boil water in a large pot, add the gnocchi, and cook until they float to the surface (about 2 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Dish:
Remove the short ribs from the sauce and shred the meat. Reduce the sauce if necessary to thicken. Toss the gnocchi in a bit of butter or the short rib sauce. Plate the gnocchi, top with braised short ribs, and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
The slow-braised short ribs develop an intense depth of flavor, while the ricotta gnocchi add a light, creamy contrast. The combination of tender beef and delicate pasta makes this dish a perfect balance of richness and comfort, ideal for an elegant yet hearty meal.
