Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something downright magical about braised beef short ribs. I remember the first time I let these baby beauties cook low and slow—it was like unlocking a secret to pure, melt-in-your-mouth happiness. The aroma fills the kitchen with this deep, savory promise that something wonderful is on the way. If you’ve ever doubted how soul-satisfying a dish can be, wait until you taste these tender ribs, falling off the bone with that rich, glossy sauce that hugs every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to comfort food for cozy nights or special occasions alike.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 4 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels—this helps them brown beautifully, which adds layers of flavor. Then, generously season each rib with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and sear the ribs on all sides until they get a deep golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; that crust is where the magic starts!

Step 2:

Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside. In the same pot, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook until softened and aromatic—about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor and caramelize a bit.

Step 3:

Pour in the red wine next, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half—that usually takes about 8-10 minutes, and it concentrates that rich, fruity undertone.

Step 4:

Return the short ribs to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf, then bring everything to a simmer. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and let the ribs braise gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is tender and literally falling off the bone.

Step 5:

Carefully remove the ribs and set aside. Strain the braising liquid into a saucepan, discard the solids, and simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to a luscious glaze—about 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6:

Plate the ribs and generously spoon the glossy sauce over them. Serve while piping hot and get ready for the most comforting, unforgettable bite you’ll have all week.

Variations & Tips

• For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter into the sauce when reducing.
• Swap red wine for dark beer or even strong coffee for a twist on flavor depth.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme work—just use about one-third the amount.
• Make it in a slow cooker by searing ribs first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
• Don’t rush browning—fully developing that crust boosts your flavor big-time.
• Rest the ribs a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute, keeping every bite juicy.

How I Like to Serve It

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up all that sauce. On chilly fall evenings, I love serving it alongside roasted root vegetables and a glass of the same red wine I used for cooking—because why not keep the vibes going? For a special occasion, a crusty, warm loaf of bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently on the stove to keep meat tender.
• The ribs freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Closing: Once you’ve made these braised beef short ribs, you’ll understand why they’re the ultimate comfort food—rich, tender, and simply unforgettable every time.