Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of tender, fall-off-the-bone braised beef short ribs, each bite melting in your mouth like a warm hug. The rich aroma of garlic, thyme, and red wine fills the air, inviting you to indulge. As you savor the deep, savory flavors, the luscious sauce coats your palate, perfectly complementing the hearty meat. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, this dish is the epitome of comfort food that warms your soul and brings everyone together around the table. Get ready for a cozy culinary experience!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this melt-in-your-mouth tenderness!
- This one’s a game-changer for cozy family dinners.
- Rich, savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
- Easy to make, and the slow cooking does all the work for you!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Side Dish |
Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 4 |
Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Braised Beef Short Ribs – the star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness.
- Salt – enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- Pepper – adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Olive Oil – for searing the ribs to create a delicious crust.
- Onions – contribute sweetness and aroma to the braising liquid.
- Garlic – infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Carrots – add sweetness and texture to the braise.
- Celery – provides a subtle earthiness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Beef Broth – forms the base of the braising liquid, enhancing the beefy flavor.
- Red Wine – adds acidity and complexity to the dish.
- Thyme – a fragrant herb that complements the beef beautifully.
- Bay Leaves – impart a subtle, aromatic flavor during cooking.
- Tomato Paste – adds richness and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe

Get ready to create a dish that will warm your heart and soul!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect beef short ribs, salt, pepper, olive oil, onions, carrots, garlic, red wine, beef broth, and fresh herbs.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the beef short ribs. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and sear until browned on all sides. This will lock in the delicious juices!
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the ribs and set them aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 6: Add the Broth and Herbs
Stir in the beef broth and add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Return the Ribs
Carefully place the seared ribs back into the pot. Make sure they’re nestled in the liquid.
Step 8: Braise the Ribs
Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Let them braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until fork-tender.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the comfort!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose well-marbled short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t rush the browning process; it adds depth to the dish.
- Use a mix of beef broth and red wine for a rich, complex sauce.
- Let the ribs rest after cooking; it helps the juices redistribute.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How to Serve
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
- Pair with buttery polenta for a rich, comforting experience.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Accompany with roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Drizzle with the braising sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve alongside a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Offer a side of tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Enjoy with a glass of full-bodied red wine to elevate the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the beef short ribs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
• Portion the beef short ribs into meal-sized servings.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• For the oven, cover with foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving to keep the meat tender.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for braising short ribs?
The best cut for braised beef short ribs is the chuck or plate short ribs. These cuts have a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which break down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
How long should I braise beef short ribs?
Braising beef short ribs typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in the oven at a low temperature. This slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the braising liquid.
Can I make braised beef short ribs in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt your braised beef short ribs recipe for a slow cooker. Just sear the ribs first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with your braising liquid and cook on low for 6-8 hours for perfectly tender results.
What should I serve with braised beef short ribs?
Braised beef short ribs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a hearty vegetable mash. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Braised Beef Short Ribs, your new go-to comfort food! Picture the tender meat melting in your mouth, surrounded by rich, savory flavors. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet night in. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful dish. Trust me, every bite will bring a smile to your face!

Braised Beef Short Ribs
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For searing and braising the ribs.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 lbs Braised Beef Short Ribs The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness.
- to taste Salt Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- to taste Pepper Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing the ribs to create a delicious crust.
Vegetables
- 1 large Onion Contributes sweetness and aroma to the braising liquid.
- 3 cloves Garlic Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic flavor.
- 2 medium Carrots Add sweetness and texture to the braise.
- 2 stalks Celery Provides a subtle earthiness and depth to the flavor profile.
Liquid
- 4 cups Beef Broth Forms the base of the braising liquid, enhancing the beefy flavor.
- 1 cup Red Wine Adds acidity and complexity to the dish.
Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Thyme A fragrant herb that complements the beef beautifully.
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves Impart a subtle, aromatic flavor during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds richness and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Get ready to create a dish that will warm your heart and soul!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect beef short ribs, salt, pepper, olive oil, onions, carrots, garlic, red wine, beef broth, and fresh herbs.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
- Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the beef short ribs. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and sear until browned on all sides. This will lock in the delicious juices!
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- Remove the ribs and set them aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 6: Add the Broth and Herbs
- Stir in the beef broth and add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Return the Ribs
- Carefully place the seared ribs back into the pot. Make sure they’re nestled in the liquid.
Step 8: Braise the Ribs
- Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Let them braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until fork-tender.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the comfort!