Braised Beef Short Ribs
Here’s a delicious recipe for braised beef short ribs.
Ingredients
• Beef Short Ribs: 4 large pieces (about 3 lbs)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 large, diced
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Red Wine: 1 cup (optional, or substitute with beef stock)
• Beef Stock: 2 cups
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 cup
• Fresh Herbs: 2 sprigs each of thyme and rosemary, plus 1 bay leaf
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Short Ribs
• Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Meat
• Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3 –4 minutes per side.
• Remove the ribs and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
• Lower the heat to medium and add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot.
• Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the Pot
• Pour in the red wine (or beef stock if not using wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Let the wine reduce by half, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Liquids and Herbs
• Return the short ribs to the pot. Add the beef stock, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The liquid should cover the ribs about three-quarters of the way.
6. Simmer and Braise
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C).
• Cook for 2.5–3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
7. Optional: Reduce the Sauce
• Remove the ribs from the pot and strain the liquid if desired. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10–15 minutes to thicken, stirring in balsamic vinegar for added depth.
8. Serve
• Serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or creamy risotto, spooning the sauce over the top.
Braised beef short ribs are a popular dish known for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and flavor. The key to perfecting this dish lies in the slow cooking process that allows the meat to become incredibly succulent. Using quality beef short ribs, along with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, alongside fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary enhances the overall taste. For those who love wine, adding a cup of red wine can elevate the flavors further, though it can be substituted with beef stock for a non-alcoholic option. The braising process, typically done at low temperatures in the oven, not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a rich sauce that can be served over mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even polenta. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. To make it even more unique, feel free to experiment with other flavors by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste. For instance, a dash of balsamic vinegar can provide a delightful depth of flavor. Once you try this braised beef short ribs recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!