Easy Short Ribs in Marinara (3 Ingredients)
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This Easy Short Ribs in Marinara (3 Ingredients) recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The beef short ribs slow cook in a simple blend of marinara sauce and beef broth, turning irresistibly tender as they soak up all that deep, savory goodness. I love making this when I want a cozy, no-fuss meal that still tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The braising liquid reduces into the perfect tomato sauce, making it incredible over pasta, spooned onto toasted bread, or even served with mashed potatoes. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let the oven do the work while your kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma. Trust me, once you try these melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love Easy Short Ribs in Marinara
- Unbelievably Tender Meat: The beef short ribs slow cook until they’re fall-apart tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just three simple ingredients, this dish still delivers rich, deep flavor without any extra fuss.
- Perfect for Pasta Lovers: The braising liquid turns into a delicious tomato sauce that coats pappardelle or tagliatelle beautifully.
- Hands-Off Cooking: After a few minutes of prep, the oven does all the work while your kitchen smells amazing.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day, and it reheats beautifully for an easy second meal.
Ingredients Needed To Make Easy Short Ribs in Marinara
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Boneless short ribs
- Marinara sauce (traditional, garlic, or wine-infused)
- Beef broth (or beef bone broth)
- Kosher salt
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Easy Short Ribs in Marinara
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to a low temperature to allow for slow cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the short ribs, marinara sauce, beef broth, and salt to a pot or large Dutch oven on the stove top and stir to mix everything together.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pot and let it cook in the oven until the short ribs are tender and easily fall apart.
- Shred & Serve: Use forks to shred the meat directly in the sauce, then serve over pasta, with bread, or however you like. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in short ribs instead of boneless?
Yes! Bone-in short ribs will work just as well and add even more flavor to the braising liquid. Just keep in mind that they may take a little longer to become fall-apart tender.
What’s the best way to serve these short ribs?
This dish is amazing over pappardelle pasta or tagliatelle pasta, but it’s also delicious spooned over creamy mashed potatoes or tucked into a sandwich on crusty bread. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for a little pop of flavor!
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, cook on low for several hours until the meat is tender. In an Instant Pot, use the pressure cook setting for a quicker version, then shred the meat right in the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover short ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove top over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Once cooled, store the short ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Can I add other ingredients for more flavor?
Absolutely! A splash of dry red wine, a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, bay leaves, or a few cloves of garlic would all add even more depth to the dish.
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Easy Short Ribs in Marinara (3 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Dutch oven with lid
- Forks for shredding
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless short ribs
- 24 oz marinara sauce traditional, garlic, or wine-infused work great
- 32 oz beef broth or beef bone broth
- 2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 325°F.
- Assemble Ingredients: In a Dutch oven, add the short ribs, marinara sauce, beef broth, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender.
- Shred and Serve: Remove from the oven, shred the meat directly in the pot, and mix it with the sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
In a sandwich or on toasted bread
With mashed potatoes
Nutrition
These Easy Short Ribs in Marinara are proof that simple ingredients can still deliver huge flavor. The slow cook time does all the work, leaving you with fall-apart tender beef and a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect over pasta or on its own. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s one of those recipes that always hits the spot. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
