Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless short ribs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 medium cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon
• 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 6 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning mix
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 ounces dried ditalini or small fusilli pasta
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (About 5 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lemon

Directions

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 300°F.

2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, oven-safe stockpot or Dutch oven. Generously season short ribs with salt and pepper. When oil is shimmering, brown short ribs on all sides until golden brown, about 6 minutes total. Remove meat and transfer to a platter.

3. Add Italian sausage and brown, breaking up into little bits, until nearly cooked through, about 6 minutes. Add onions, bell pepper and garlic to pan and sauté, stirring periodically, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Return short ribs to pan. Add wine, tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, bay leaves and thyme. Season with about 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover and transfer to oven to cook until meat is fork tender, about 2 1/2 hours.

4. Remove from oven and transfer pot to stovetop. Shred short ribs using two forks. Remove and discard bay leaves and thyme springs. Return to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until still slightly firm. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, Parmesan, Asiago, mozzarella, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Remove soup from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Spoon into individual bowls, top with a generous dollop of cheese mixture and serve immediately.

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