Timeless Braised Beef Short Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug? Our Timeless Braised Beef Short Ribs are perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. This recipe combines rich flavors with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that's sure to impress.

Ingredients for Timeless Braised Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are the star, providing rich, succulent meat. Season them well for the best flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the natural taste of the ribs. Olive oil is used for searing, adding a subtle fruitiness. The onion, carrots, and celery form a savory base, often referred to as a mirepoix, which adds depth to the dish. Garlic introduces a fragrant, aromatic layer. Beef broth and red wine create a luxurious braising liquid, with the wine adding complexity and acidity. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds a hint of sweetness. Fresh thyme and rosemary bring herbal notes, while bay leaves lend a subtle, earthy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, choose ribs with a good amount of marbling; this keeps them juicy and flavorful.
  • Use a good quality red wine, as it significantly impacts the final taste of the dish.
  • Letting the dish rest after cooking enhances the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
  • If the sauce is too thin after braising, remove the ribs and reduce the sauce on the stovetop until thickened.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty polenta, which soak up the rich sauce beautifully. A side of roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad makes for a balanced meal. A crusty loaf of bread is also a fantastic addition for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more if prepared a day ahead. Simply reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, after searing the ribs and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Timeless Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, let's preheat the oven to 325°F. This way, it's ready when you are. While that's happening, grab your beef short ribs and season them generously with salt and pepper. You want to make sure each piece is well-coated.

Heat some olive oil in a large, oven-proof pot over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the ribs. Sear them on all sides until they're beautifully browned, which should take about 8 minutes. This step locks in those gorgeous flavors. Once they’re browned, remove them and set them aside.

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook these until they're softened, about 5 minutes. The smell at this point? Absolutely divine. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until it's nice and fragrant — you don’t want to burn it.

Add the tomato paste to the pot and give it a good stir, cooking for an additional minute. Now, pour in the red wine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the magic happens, as those bits are pure flavor. Let the wine reduce by half, which should take around 5 minutes.

Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the ribs to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle beautifully. Serve and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, robust flavors from a combination of red wine and beef broth.
  • Slow-braised to perfection, ensuring tender and juicy ribs.
  • Simple preparation with a classic, timeless appeal.
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals, enhancing flavors over time.

Ingredients

4 lbs beef short ribs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large, oven-proof pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 8 minutes total.
5. Remove ribs and set aside.
6. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
9. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
10. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
11. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
12. Return ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
13. Cover and transfer to the oven; braise for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
14. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

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