Hearty Braised Beef Short Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Hearty Braised Beef Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish brings together rich flavors and tender meat that falls off the bone. Whether it's a special occasion or just because, these ribs will make any meal feel like a celebration.

Ingredients for Hearty Braised Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are the star of this dish, offering deep, beefy flavors and tender texture when braised. Olive oil is used for browning the meat, which helps develop a rich crust. Onion and carrots add a natural sweetness and depth to the dish. Garlic brings an aromatic punch that rounds out the flavor profile.

Beef broth provides a savory base, while red wine adds complexity and richness. Tomato paste contributes a subtle sweetness and enhances the sauce's body. A splash of Worcestershire sauce introduces a tangy, umami note. Dried thyme and rosemary lend herbal undertones, balancing the richness of the beef. Finally, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Browning the ribs and sautéing the vegetables in the same skillet builds layers of flavor.
  • Use a good quality red wine you enjoy drinking; it makes a difference in the sauce.
  • If you have time, refrigerate the sauce after straining — the fat solidifies on top, making it easier to remove.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce it on the stovetop after straining.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these braised ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans provides a nice contrast. For a lighter option, try serving with a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, bone-in chuck roast works well as a substitute, though cooking times may vary.
Do I have to use wine?
No, you can replace it with additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time.

Hearty Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef short ribs and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for locking in flavors and adding depth to your dish. After browning, transfer the ribs to your slow cooker.

In the same skillet, toss in the onions and carrots. Sauté until they start to soften and develop a bit of color, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for another minute, ensuring not to burn it. Once done, transfer this aromatic mixture to the slow cooker with the ribs.

Now, pour in the beef broth and red wine into the slow cooker. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process is what transforms the ribs into melt-in-your-mouth morsels. After 8 hours, carefully remove the ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker. Strain the cooking liquid to make a luscious sauce, skimming off excess fat. Serve the ribs topped with this sauce for an unbeatable finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Slow-cooked to perfection with minimal hands-on time.
  • Rich, savory flavors that meld beautifully together.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day.
  • Impressively elegant yet surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

3 lbs beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown short ribs on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add onions and carrots, sauté until softened. Add garlic, sauté for another minute, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3. In the slow cooker, add beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
5. Remove the ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker. Strain the sauce and skim off excess fat. Serve ribs topped with sauce.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!