Easy Braised Short Ribs

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Melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich in flavor, and deeply comforting, these Easy Braised Short Ribs are the kind of dish that transforms any evening into something special. Slowly cooked until fall-apart delicious, they are nestled in a luxurious red wine gravy with aromatic vegetables. Served over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that tastes like a warm hug.

Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday dinner or planning a cozy date night at home, these short ribs deliver restaurant-level satisfaction with surprisingly little effort. A few simple steps and a bit of patience are all you need to unlock an unforgettable flavor experience.

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What Kind of Short Ribs Should I Use?

For this recipe, opt for bone-in beef short ribs. They provide deeper flavor and more tenderness after long braising. English-cut ribs are ideal—meaty, thick, and perfect for slow cooking. Boneless short ribs work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that extra layer of richness the bones provide.

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Ingredients for the Easy Braised Short Ribs

Beef Short Ribs: The star of the show, these develop irresistible depth when slowly braised.

Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and complexity.

Carrots & Celery: Add a subtle sweetness and hearty body to the braising liquid.

Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a touch of acidity to balance the beef.

Red Wine: Use a dry, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. It’s key to building a luscious sauce.

Beef Broth: Enhances the savory depth while creating the base of the braising liquid.

Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaf): These herbs infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic flavor.

Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: For searing the meat and seasoning throughout.

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How To Make the Easy Braised Short Ribs

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the ribs in batches until deeply browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Remove the ribs and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Braising Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the short ribs to the pot, add beef broth to nearly submerge the ribs, and tuck in the herbs. Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise in the oven at 325°F for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Step 5: Final Touch

Once the meat is fork-tender, remove ribs and strain the sauce if desired. Skim fat and reduce the sauce on the stovetop if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

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Serving and Storing These Short Ribs

These short ribs are even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to deepen, making it ideal for make-ahead meals. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain tenderness.

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What to Serve With Easy Braised Short Ribs?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The ultimate companion—they soak up all that luxurious gravy.

Roasted Garlic Polenta

A velvety, rustic base that pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on the plate.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and herbs add sweetness and texture.

Sauteed Green Beans

Keep it simple with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt.

Creamed Spinach

For an extra indulgent touch that mirrors the richness of the meat.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

A dollop adds a zingy brightness to cut through the deep flavors.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Depth?

If you’re loving these braised short ribs, you’ll definitely want to try:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a quick, weeknight-friendly option.
• Chicken Marsala Casserole with deep umami and wine notes.
• Italian Sausage Soup if you’re craving cozy in a bowl.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a hearty, satisfying one-pot wonder.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a stovetop favorite full of flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for a bold red wine or something milder? Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or polenta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover new ways to feed your soul: ChefAlchemy on Pinterest

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