Delicious Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are hands down the ultimate cut for slow cooking! They’re incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart in your mouth. You’d shell out a pretty penny at fancy restaurants for a dish of these Braised Beef Short Ribs.

Braised Beef Short RibsPhoto byThyme of Season

Slow-cooked in a delicious red wine sauce, these ribs are simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to wow your guests.

Braised short ribs are super simple to make. Even though "braised" might sound a bit fancy, it just means you sear them on the outside and then let them simmer slowly. It’s mostly a hands-off process!

Perfect for Impressing Guests. Red wine braised short ribs are a fantastic choice for a dinner party since they’re hearty and feel a bit fancy (just like Beef Bourguignon!). You can make them the day before and just warm them up when it’s time to eat, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Wallet-Friendly. Short ribs are a more affordable cut of beef compared to others, making them a great option for feeding a crowd or a hungry family (you might also want to check out Beef Stew and Crockpot Roast for more budget-friendly ideas)!

Delicious and Tender. Short ribs come from the beef chuck, brisket, plate, or rib area and are packed with flavor. When you slow cook them, they break down beautifully and turn incredibly tender and tasty.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 yellow onion , diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, or more
• 3 carrots , chopped
• 8-10 whole beef short ribs
• 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups dry red wine (such as Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Cote du Rhone or Pinot Noir)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2-4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Braised Short Ribs with Mashed PotatoesPhoto byThyme of Season

How to make braised beef shortribs:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a big Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid, heat up a tablespoon of oil on medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and carrots, cooking them for a few minutes while stirring constantly. Once done, transfer the veggies to a plate.

Next, season the ribs with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour on all sides. Add another two tablespoons of oil to the pot and increase the heat up to high. Brown the ribs for about 45 seconds on each side, then take them out and set them aside on a plate.

Pour in some wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let it boil for a couple of minutes. Then, mix in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste, taste the broth, and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Now, add the ribs back in along with the veggies and whole sprigs of thyme and whole garlic. Cover it up and place it in the oven. Cook at 350°F for 2 hours, then lower the heat to 325°F and let it go for another 30 to 45 minutes until the ribs are super tender and almost falling off the bone.

Once it’s done, take the pot out of the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes with the lid on before serving. Skim off any fat that floats to the top of the liquid before you dish it out. Serve the ribs over some mashed potatoes with a generous scoop of gravy from the pot.

If you have any leftovers, store the short ribs in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

What to serve beef short ribs with:

Short ribs are rich and flavorful, so pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
2. Polenta: Soft, cheesy polenta adds a nice texture and pairs well with the beef.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables add color and balance.
4. Braised Greens: Collard greens or kale can provide a nice bitterness to cut through the richness.
5. Rice or Grain Salad: A light grain salad with herbs, citrus, and nuts can add freshness.
6. Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
7. Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy side can be a comforting addition.

Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!