Beef short rib recipes are a culinary masterpiece that can elevate any dinner table. The moment you take that first bite, the tender meat melts in your mouth, bursting with rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Imagine coming home after a long day, and your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked beef short ribs. That comforting scent wraps around you like a warm hug, making you forget all about the world outside. These ribs are perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings where everyone gathers to share stories and laughter over delicious food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This beef short rib recipe offers an incredible depth of flavor while being surprisingly simple to prepare
- The visual appeal will have your guests drooling before the first bite even happens
- Perfect for impressing family and friends alike, it’s versatile enough for both casual and elegant occasions
- Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!
One unforgettable evening, I served these beef short ribs at a family reunion, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. It turned into a quest to find out my secret ingredient!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Beef Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled ribs; they will yield the most tender and flavorful results.
-
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
-
Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant kick that complements the richness of the short ribs.
-
Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to keep control over saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
-
Red Wine: A good quality dry red wine adds depth; I recommend Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
-
Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): Fresh herbs elevate the dish with aromatic notes; dried herbs work too in a pinch.
-
Olive Oil: For browning the ribs initially, enhancing flavor through that lovely Maillard reaction.
-
Sugar (Brown or White): A touch of sugar balances acidity from the tomatoes and wine in your sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients onto your countertop. Chop onions and mince garlic so they’re ready when you need them.
Brown Those Ribs!: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, sear short ribs on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in flavor.
Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Stir until fragrant—about 2 minutes—then pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping up those tasty brown bits.
Add Liquid Gold: Pour in beef broth along with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this is where magic happens.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover your pot and reduce heat to low. Allow it to cook for approximately 3 hours or until meat falls off bone effortlessly.
Finish & Serve!: Remove ribs from pot once cooked. If desired, reduce sauce further for extra thickness before serving alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Now you’ve got an irresistible plate of beef short ribs that’s just begging to be devoured! Enjoy every savory bite as you bask in compliments from your impressed guests!
You Must Know
- Beef short rib recipes are more than just hearty; they offer a rich, tender experience that warms the soul
- Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with an aroma that brings everyone running
- Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, they always impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the beef short ribs to lock in flavors, then simmer them gently in your chosen sauce for ultimate tenderness. This sequence ensures that every bite bursts with juicy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional seasonings for a zesty twist! Try adding chipotle for heat or maple syrup for sweetness. Personalizing your dish makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover beef short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve their succulent texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness, cook your beef short ribs slowly over low heat
- Don’t rush this process; patience is key!
- Always let them rest before serving to enhance juiciness and flavor
- Use quality beef broth to boost richness and depth in the sauce
There’s nothing like gathering around the table with friends and family, sharing stories while savoring tender beef short ribs. One time, my friend declared my cooking “life-changing,” which made me feel like a culinary superhero!
FAQ
What are the best sides for beef short rib recipes?
Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with beef short ribs.
Can I use a slow cooker for beef short rib recipes?
Absolutely! A slow cooker enhances tenderness and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the ideal cooking time for beef short ribs?
Cook them low and slow for about three hours at 300°F for perfect results.
Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Beef short ribs are the ultimate comfort food, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with rich flavors that ignite your taste buds. This simple yet impressive recipe transforms well-marbled beef into a succulent dish, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. The delightful aroma of slow-cooked ribs fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table for a memorable meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- 1. Prep your ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic.
- 2. Brown the ribs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear short ribs on all sides until golden brown.
- 3. Add aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- 4. Deglaze: Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5. Add broth and herbs: Stir in beef broth and herbs; bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6. Slow cook: Cover and reduce heat to low; cook for approximately 3 hours until meat is tender.
- 7. Serve: Remove ribs from pot; optionally reduce sauce further for thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg