Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food — tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a deeply flavorful sauce until it becomes fall-off-the-bone delicious. This dish is known for its rich aroma, rustic elegance, and surprisingly simple preparation. Perfect for special dinners or cozy weekends, braised short ribs transform a tough cut of meat into a luxurious meal with minimal effort.
What Are Braised Short Ribs?
Short ribs come from the beef chuck area and are typically smaller cuts that benefit from long, slow cooking. Braising is a cooking method that involves searing meat at high heat and then simmering it gently in liquid over a longer period. This technique breaks down connective tissue and creates incredibly tender meat while building a flavorful sauce.
Unlike grilling or roasting, braising relies on moisture and low heat to produce a melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines this classic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot cooking makes cleanup easy
- Deep, savory flavor from herbs and slow simmering
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests
- Restaurant-quality results at home
Braised short ribs are often served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables because the rich sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 8 bone-in beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Bone-in ribs are usually recommended because they add more flavor and cook evenly during the braising process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the vegetables and season the ribs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot. Cook the onion and carrots for a few minutes until slightly softened, then set aside.
3. Sear the Short Ribs
Lightly coat the ribs in flour. Add oil to the pot and sear the meat on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and builds a rich base for the sauce.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, tomato paste, herbs, and seasoning.
5. Slow Braise
Return the ribs and vegetables to the pot. Cover and cook in the oven for about 2½ to 3 hours until the meat becomes extremely tender.
6. Rest and Serve
Allow the ribs to rest briefly before serving. Skim excess fat from the surface and spoon the flavorful gravy over the meat.
Slow braising allows tough cuts of beef to become tender while absorbing the flavors of herbs, wine, and broth.
Cooking Variations
Slow Cooker Method
After searing and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Instant Pot Method
Use the sauté function to brown the ribs, then pressure cook for about 45 minutes for a faster version of this classic recipe.
Tips for the Best Braised Short Ribs
- Choose ribs with good marbling but not excessive fat.
- Searing is essential for deep flavor — don’t skip this step.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a gourmet touch.
- Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
What to Serve with Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs are rich and savory, so pair them with sides that balance the flavor:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or polenta
- Roasted asparagus or seasonal vegetables
- Homemade bread or dinner rolls
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish tastes even better the next day because the flavors deepen over time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze cooked ribs for several months and reheat gently on the stove.
Final Thoughts
Braised Short Ribs are a timeless comfort food that delivers impressive results with simple techniques. With just one pot and a few hours of slow cooking, you can create a dish that feels elegant, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.