Braised Beef Short Ribs

 Braised Beef Short Ribs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Nothing says rich, hearty comfort food like Braised Beef Short Ribs. This dish transforms humble cuts of beef into fall-off-the-bone tenderness, packed with deep, savory flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce, these melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, you’ve come to the right place.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Complex Flavor – A slow braise infuses the ribs with bold, rich taste.

Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness – Low and slow cooking ensures the meat is incredibly tender.

Minimal Hands-On Time – While it takes time to cook, the preparation is simple and straightforward.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals – The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better!

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Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

For the Braised Beef Short Ribs:

5–6 beef short ribs (300-400g/10-14oz each) – The star of the dish. Short ribs are rich in marbling, which melts into the meat, creating a juicy, flavorful bite.

1.5 tsp salt & 1.5 tsp pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat, enhancing its natural flavors.

2 tbsp olive oil – Used for searing, locking in juices and developing a deep, caramelized crust.

For the Flavor Base:

3 garlic cloves, crushed – Adds depth and aromatic richness.

1 large onion, chopped – Provides a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.

2 celery ribs, chopped – Enhances the braising liquid with a slight bitterness that complements the meat.

2 carrots, chopped – Adds sweetness and a hint of earthiness to the sauce.

For the Braising Liquid:

2 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the color and intensifies the sauce’s umami flavor.

2 cups red wine (preferably dry, like Cabernet Sauvignon) – Adds acidity and complexity, helping to tenderize the meat.

2 cups beef broth – Builds a rich, savory base for braising.

2 sprigs fresh thyme – Infuses the dish with a subtle herbal note.

1 bay leaf – Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare & Season the Short Ribs

Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a perfect sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, onions, celery, and carrots, stirring frequently. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

4. Deglaze with Wine

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this is where the best flavor is!). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Braise Low and Slow

Return the short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

6. Strain & Reduce the Sauce (Optional, but Recommended!)

Once done, remove the ribs and strain the braising liquid. Simmer the sauce on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened for a luxurious finish.

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Pro Tips for the Best Braised Short Ribs

✔ Use Bone-In Short Ribs – The bones add extra flavor and richness to the dish.

✔ Don’t Skip the Sear – A deep brown crust on the ribs creates incredible depth of flavor.

✔ Choose a Bold Red Wine – A full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the sauce beautifully.

✔ Cook Low & Slow – This is key for ultra-tender, fall-apart meat.

✔ Make It a Day Ahead – The flavors develop even more overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these rich, tender short ribs with complementary sides for a complete meal:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort pairing to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Buttered Egg Noodles – A simple yet satisfying option.

Parmesan Polenta – Adds a creamy, cheesy contrast.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans – A fresh, crisp side to balance the richness.

For a truly indulgent experience, serve with warm crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce!

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Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe is unbeatable in both flavor and ease. With minimal effort, you get tender, juicy, fall-apart beef coated in a deeply rich sauce. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress.

Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to favorite in your k

itchen. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments—I'd love to hear how it turned out!

Now, let’s get cooking!