There's something truly magical about a perfectly executed Short Ribs Recipe that transforms tough meat into tender, succulent perfection that falls apart at the touch of a fork. This classic comfort dish has been gracing Sunday dinner tables for generations, filling homes with rich, savory aromas that make everyone gather around the kitchen.
My family considers this the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, and after one bite, you'll understand why. With just a few simple techniques and patience, this short ribs recipe oven method delivers restaurant-quality results that will have your loved ones asking for seconds every single time.
Why You'll Love This Short Ribs Recipe
This Short Ribs Recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, beefy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that defines true comfort cooking. My husband calls it "Sunday perfection" because the slow braising process fills our entire house with incredible aromas that last for hours. Unlike quick-cooking cuts, these chuck short ribs develop deep, complex flavors that can't be rushed or replicated.
The meat literally falls off the bone, while the braising liquid transforms into a luxurious sauce that's perfect over mashed potatoes. Plus, this recipe works beautifully as an easy short ribs version that requires minimal hands-on time once it's in the oven.
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What You'll Need
These ingredients create layers of flavor that build into something truly spectacular. Most of these items are probably in your pantry already, making this recipe perfect for impressive dinner parties or cozy family meals.
Main Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and black pepper
Optional Extras
You can add mushrooms for earthier flavor, or substitute the red wine with additional beef broth for alcohol-free version. Some families love adding pearl onions during the last hour of cooking.
This boneless short ribs recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Short Ribs Recipe
Season and Sear
Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Build the Base
Remove ribs and add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and tomato paste until fragrant.
Deglaze and Add Liquid
Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs, then return the seared ribs to the pot.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker instead? A: Absolutely! After searing, transfer everything to your crockpot beef short ribs setup and cook on low for 8 hours for equally tender results.
Braise to Perfection
Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to a 325°F oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and practically falling off the bone.
Top Tip
The secret to restaurant-quality braised beef short ribs crockpot or oven style is proper searing before braising - don't skip this step even if you're tempted.
My grandmother taught me that those beautiful brown bits on the bottom of the pot are pure flavor gold.
Also, resist the urge to peek too often during braising; every time you lift the lid, you lose precious moisture and heat that keeps the meat tender.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
For crock pot short ribs variation, follow the same searing process, then transfer to your slow cooker with all liquid ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can easily make this with short ribs in crockpot using boneless ribs if that's what you prefer - just reduce the cooking time slightly. Red wine can be substituted with additional beef broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover short ribs covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish actually improves in flavor overnight as all the seasonings continue to meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. The meat and sauce also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
What to Serve With Short Ribs Recipe
These pair magnificently with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or polenta to soak up every drop of that incredible braising liquid. My family loves them with roasted root vegetables and crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of this indulgent dish.
FAQs About Short Ribs Recipe
Why are my short ribs tough?
They likely need more cooking time - short ribs require long, slow cooking to break down properly.
How do I know when the short ribs are done?
The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull apart from the bone with minimal resistance.
What if I don't have red wine?
Substitute with additional beef broth plus a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes better the next day and reheats beautifully.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're exploring more slow-cooked comfort foods, you'll absolutely love my pot roast recipe that uses similar braising techniques for equally tender results. For those interested in short rib crockpot recipes, try my beef stew that brings similar rich flavors with different vegetables. When you want something different, my braised lamb shanks offer the same luxurious, fall-off-the-bone experience with Mediterranean flair.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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Pairing
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