Hearty Braised Short Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, these Hearty Braised Short Ribs are it. Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining, this slow-cooked wonder transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful feast.

Ingredients for Hearty Braised Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are the star, bringing a rich and beefy flavor that’s perfect for braising. Olive oil helps brown the ribs, adding depth to the final dish. The onion and garlic provide a savory base, while the beef broth adds a rich liquid for braising. Red wine enhances the sauce with its fruity notes, and tomato paste offers a touch of acidity and sweetness. Worcestershire sauce gives umami depth, while salt and black pepper season the dish. Fresh thyme and bay leaves lend an aromatic finish that ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker sauce, remove the ribs once cooked and simmer the liquid in a saucepan to reduce.
  • If you don't have red wine, you can use more beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
  • Make sure to brown the ribs well; it makes a huge difference in flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These short ribs are perfect over creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, although bone-in ribs add more flavor, boneless will work too.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen when made a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can braise in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours in the oven.

Hearty Braised Short Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the beef short ribs, making sure not to crowd them. Brown them on all sides; this should take about 10 minutes. You want a nice deep color, which will add flavor to the sauce.

Transfer the browned ribs to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onions are translucent, stirring often to prevent burning.

Now, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to caramelize slightly. Then pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper and stir everything well.

This mixture now goes over the ribs in the slow cooker. Tuck in the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. You'll know it's done when the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.

Before serving, fish out the thyme and bay leaves. You’re ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, deep flavors from the slow cooking process.
  • Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it perfect for busy days.
  • The meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone.
  • Impressive enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

4 lbs beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the short ribs on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
6. Add thyme and bay leaves.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Remove herbs before serving.

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