If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both elegant enough for a dinner party and cozy enough for a chilly night in, you’ll instantly fall in love with this Braised Short Ribs Recipe. Juicy, fall-off-the-bone beef marries with a deeply flavorful, wine-enriched sauce infused with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables. It’s a showstopper that tastes as though you spent all day in the kitchen, but the oven does most of the work for you. Rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a classic worth making again and again.

Braised Short Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines because of its simple yet essential lineup of ingredients—each one brings something special, from the melt-in-your-mouth texture of good beef to the soul-warming richness of red wine and herbs. Here’s everything you need to make the Braised Short Ribs Recipe unforgettable:

Bone-in beef short ribs (3 pounds): The star of the show—choose well-marbled ribs for the most tender, flavorful results.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances every savory note and balances the richness.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that complements the beef beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that unbeatable golden sear on your ribs and sautés the vegetables to perfection.
Onion, chopped (1 large): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce foundation.
Carrots, chopped (2): Lend color, natural sweetness, and a touch of earthiness.
Celery stalks, chopped (2): Provide balance and aromatic flavor in true mirepoix fashion.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Adds irresistible fragrance and a savory punch to the sauce.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Gives richness, color, and slight tang to round out the flavors.
Red wine (2 cups): The secret to an unbelievably deep, complex sauce—use something you’d happily drink.
Beef broth (2 cups): Ensures plenty of saucy goodness while making everything heartier.
Fresh thyme (2 sprigs): Offers subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness.
Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs): Contributes a woodsy, aromatic note you’ll savor in every bite.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse background warmth and complexity while braising.

How to Make Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Short Ribs

Start by patting your short ribs dry with paper towels—dry ribs sear far better, locking in those juices and developing outstanding flavor. Season them generously on every side with salt and pepper, making sure every bit is well coated. This not only builds a savory crust but also ensures the meat is seasoned from the inside out once braised.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the short ribs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re gloriously browned. Don’t rush this step—the caramelization you see here will translate to incredible depth in your finished Braised Short Ribs Recipe. Remove the browned ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and golden at the edges, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook for another minute to bloom their flavors and add a savory punch to the base of your sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those caramelized bits from the bottom—they’re flavor gold! Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes, so it reduces just slightly and intensifies, setting the stage for the rich sauce your Braised Short Ribs Recipe is known for.

Step 5: Build the Braising Liquid

Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves directly to the pot. This fragrant mix will infuse the beef with layers of comforting flavor as it cooks. Return the short ribs (and any accumulated juices) to the pot, nestling them into the liquid so they’re mostly submerged.

Step 6: Braise Low and Slow

Cover your pot tightly and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Let the short ribs braise for 2½ to 3 hours, checking for that ultimate “fall off the bone” tenderness. By the end, your kitchen will be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma, promising a stunning meal ahead.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the ribs are fork-tender, carefully remove them from the pot. If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, strain it into a saucepan and skim off excess fat. Spoon the luscious sauce over the ribs and get ready for applause—this Braised Short Ribs Recipe is pure comfort on a plate!

How to Serve Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A generous spoonful of the glossy braising liquid, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or even a few thinly sliced green onions can freshen and brighten the rich flavors of your Braised Short Ribs Recipe. For a pop of color and a touch of tang, try a little lemon zest or even a quick gremolata.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for a creamy and comforting side. Mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or wide noodles are traditional favorites—each one soaks up the deeply flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter balance, roasted root vegetables or garlicky sautéed greens work beautifully alongside the richness of the ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, plate each rib on its own creamy pillow of potatoes or polenta with a swirl of sauce. Prefer something casual? Serve family-style in a big Dutch oven for everyone to dig in. You can even shred the meat to pile into sliders or tacos—this Braised Short Ribs Recipe loves a creative twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover short ribs store beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the meat and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. In fact, the flavors will meld and intensify, making your next-day Braised Short Ribs Recipe taste even more incredible!

Freezing

Braised short ribs are freezer-friendly. Place portions (ideally meat and sauce together) into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then reheat as directed below.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your Braised Short Ribs Recipe in a covered saucepan or in the oven at 325°F until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems thick. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it may make the meat less succulent.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

You can, but bone-in ribs provide richer flavor and help keep the meat ultra-tender during the long braise. If using boneless, keep an eye on cook time, as they may finish slightly faster.

What type Main Course

Choose a dry, medium- to full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. Don’t worry about using something expensive, but make sure it’s a wine you enjoy drinking since the flavor concentrates during braising.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the ribs and sautéeing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. You’ll get the same deliciously tender results.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

After removing the ribs, return the sauce to the stove and simmer uncovered until it reduces to your liking. You can also blend some of the cooked vegetables into the sauce for natural thickening and extra body.

What’s the best way to strain and serve the sauce?

Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to make it silky smooth, then skim off extra fat. Drizzle over the ribs for a restaurant-worthy presentation—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Braised Short Ribs Recipe enough for anyone who loves a comforting, impressive dish with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, these ribs will absolutely win hearts. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the incredible aroma—there’s no going back!

Braised Short Ribs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of these Braised Short Ribs. This classic recipe results in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat steeped in a savory red wine sauce that is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Short Ribs:

3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Braising:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves

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Instructions

Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
Sear Ribs: Sear ribs in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic and tomato paste.
Deglaze: Pour in red wine, deglaze the pot, then add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Braise: Return ribs to pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 2½ to 3 hours.
Finish: Remove ribs, strain sauce if desired, skim off fat, and serve.