These Braised Beef Short Ribs are so tender, fall-off-the-bone and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! This slow-cooked beef is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day.
If you enjoy a good slow-cooked beef dinner, you will love our original braised beef recipe or braised beef stew!
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
I love how tender these Braised Beef Short Ribs are – and how easy! This flavorful dish is absolutely going to wow you.
- TASTE: Cooked in red wine and broth, with smoky bacon and aromatic garlic, these short ribs are packed with flavor.
- TEXTURE: Slow cooked for hours, the meat on these braised short ribs is beyond tender. It will melt in your mouth!
- TIME: This recipe takes 20 minutes to prep, plus 3 hours of braising time.
- EASE: These Braised Beef Short Ribs are so easy to make. Your family will love this simple, yet elegant, dish.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Meat: You’ll want short ribs with the bone intact for this dish. And bacon, which will add an amazing smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Classic pot roast veggies do best here, like carrots, onion, garlic, and dried mushrooms.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika make a marvelous combination!
- Liquid: Red wine, chicken broth (or beef), and some water, thickened up with cornstarch, come together to create the braising liquid that cooks and flavors the short ribs.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute a different cut of meat- You can also use a pot roasting meat, like chuck, cut up into large chunks in place of the short ribs in this recipe. Or sub Pancetta for the bacon.
- Skip the mushrooms- Mushrooms add an earthy and savory flavor to these Braised Beef Short Ribs, but if you aren’t a fan or have none on hand, feel free to skip them.
- Substitute alcohol-free red wine- Even though the alcohol cooks out over time, you may prefer to use an alcohol-free red wine for personal or religious reasons. Or just use extra broth.
- Add other flavor boosters- You can up the flavor by adding Worcestershire sauce, port wine, rosemary sprigs, or tomato paste to this dish.
How to Make Braised Beef Short Ribs
- Cook bacon. Start off by cooking the chopped bacon in a dutch oven pot until the bacon is crispy. Then remove it.
- Brown the beef. Now place the beef short ribs into the pot and brown each side. Reserve them for later.
- Saute the onion and garlic. Once you have sauteed the onion and garlic, add the braised beef back in.
Pro Tip: Leave any drippings or pieces leftover from cooking the bacon and browning the short ribs in the pot. This will absorb into the veggies as well as flavor the braising liquid with smoky flavor.
- Add in the veggies. Now you can add in the baby carrots, spices, and dried mushrooms (fresh will work as well).
- Add liquid and finish in the oven. Roughly stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon before adding the red wine and chicken broth. Then place the lid back on and cook in the oven for 2 1/2 hours at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thicken it up. To thicken the sauce of the braised beef short ribs, mix a little cornstarch and water and pour it into the braised beef, then cook for another 30 minutes at the same temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use thick-cut pork bacon- The bacon is used to introduce more flavor, so choose a good-quality pork bacon. Turkey bacon would not work as well here.
- Make the cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl- Doing this allows you to fully dissolve the cornstarch so no lumps end up in your braised short ribs.
- Cook them low and slow- You can overcook and dry out your short ribs if you cook them over too high heat. Cook them over low heat and they will remain moist and tender.
- Make them in a crockpot instead- If you prefer making them in a crockpot, simply brown the meat in a large skillet, then place all the ingredients including the braised beef in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 5 hours.
FAQs
Short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the shoulder of cattle. The most common way to identify short ribs is by looking for a chunk of meat that has a little blade of bone sticking out. The best way to prepare them is to braise them low and slow until tender.
Braising is a cooking method that involves browning the short ribs in dry heat, as with oil, then cooking them in liquid over low heat and over a longer period of time. You can even use this method with a slow cooker like with my beef brisket sandwich or beef stew.
No, you can’t overcook these Braised Beef Short Ribs if you are cooking them over low heat in liquid. However, the meat will begin to shred if you cook them longer than recommended, but the meat will still be tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Braised Beef Short Rib recipe is simply delicious and versatile enough to be eaten with lots of other dishes. Here are some flavorful pairings to try.
- Potatoes: Enjoy this dish with some Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
- Vegetables: Garlic Asparagus, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables, and Easy Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese all would taste great alongside these short ribs.
- Salads: Start the meal with a Cabbage Cucumber Salad, Spinach Pomegranate Salad, or Broccoli Cranberry Salad.
- Grains: Serve these Braised Beef Short Ribs with a side of Wild Rice, Garlicky Israeli Couscous, or Wild Brown Rice.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: You can brown the meat and prep the vegetables ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to braise. Or prepare this dish in a crock pot so you can set it and let it cook throughout the day.
Storing: Store these Braised Beef Short Ribs in an airtight container once cooled for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze: To freeze this dish, allow the short ribs to fully cool and then remove the meat from the bones. You can freeze it in a freezer ziplock bag or container for up to 3 months.
More Delicious Beef Dishes!
Watch how to make this DELICIOUS recipe here:
Full Recipe Instructions
Braised Beef Short Ribs
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven Pot (or any other heavy-bottomed pot)
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon chopped
- 4 lb beef short ribs
- 2 small onion
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 2 cups dried mushrooms
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cup wine
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven pot, fry 4 strips of chopped bacon until crispy. Then remove. You do not need to put the bacon back in later. This was purely for more smoky flavor.
- Bring the heat to high and brown each piece of short ribs in the pot. Add extra oil as needed. Olive oil works great.
- Once the meat is browned on all sides, remove and reserve for later.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the dutch oven pot and sauté for about 3-5 mins.
- Then add the browned beef back into the pot and add the baby carrots, dried mushrooms, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir it to combine and then add the red wine and chicken broth. Cover the pot with a lid and braise in the oven for 2 1/2 hours at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Now combine the cornstarch and water in a small prep bowl and pour it into the braised beef. Stir it in with a spoon and cover it with a lid. This will help thicken the beef sauce Then place the covered pot back in the oven for another 30 minutes at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
Notes
- Use thick-cut pork bacon- The bacon is used to introduce more flavor, so choose a good-quality pork bacon. Turkey bacon would not work as well here.
- Make the cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl- Doing this allows you to fully dissolve the cornstarch so no lumps end up in your braised short ribs.
- Cook them low and slow- You can overcook and dry out your short ribs if you cook them over too high heat. Cook them over low heat and they will remain moist and tender.
- Make them in a crockpot instead- If you prefer making them in a crockpot, simply brown the meat in a large skillet, then place all the ingredients including the braised beef in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 5 hours.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on February 13, 2019. We have added some extra details to make it even better and easier to make for our readers.
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April says
So I wish I had a picture to post of how amazing this recipe came out but the smell alone attracted everyone of my family members into the kitchen & as soon as it was done from the oven it was gone!!! This recipe was just AMAZING! Followed instructions exactly & served it over Parmesan Polenta!!! I’d give this recipe 100 stars if that was an option!! Thank you!!!
Dina says
April your recipe review totally made my day! I am so thrilled to hear that everyone loved this recipe so much! Thank you for the awesome feedback!
Maia Brennås says
Delicious and juicy,tender meat,😛❤😛❤😛❤right amount of spices.YUMMY!
Dina says
I am very happy to hear that you loved this braised beef short ribs recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your awesome feedback 🙂 I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Grace says
I never fail with your recipes. My partner licked his plate and turned it to a mirror. I ran out of porcine and replaced by shitake mushroom but still all good. My cooking is always easier with your help
simplyhomecooked says
That is so awesome to hear that! I am happy to hear that my recipes help make your cooking easier and more enjoyable 🙂 Glad to hear you enjoyed this braised beef recipe! Thank you so much for your feedback 🙂
Tina says
I’m making this today! I am wondering if you ever reintroduce the bacon, or if you just use it for something else.
Thanks!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Tina 🙂 You remove the bacon and leave the flavors of the bacon for this recipe. You can use the bacon for something else or just snack on 🙂 I hope you love this recipe! Please let me know how it goes 🙂
F says
Can u give a more detailed crockpot recipe for this? Do I just brown the meat & add all the other ingredients without cooking?
simplyhomecooked says
Yes, just brown the meat and saute the vegetables then add everything into the crockpot.
Faith says
Can you use Madeira wine in this recipe?
simplyhomecooked says
Hmm thats a great question Faith. I have never tried it in this recipe so I am not too sure how it will taste. It’s usually served as a dessert wine depending on its level of sweetness, so I am not too sure if it will work with this recipe.
MicheleD says
Loved this recipe including the whole family. I skipped the bacon grease and just browned the meat in olive oil. I used regular carrots I had on hand and sliced in large chunks. Followed everything else as is and it truly was falling off the bone and delicious!
simplyhomecooked says
That is so awesome to hear Michele! Very happy that you and your whole family loved this braised beef recipe 🙂 Thank you so much for your feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Theresa says
How much water did you add to the corn starch?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Theresa, I combined the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water.
Martha Douds says
Is there an alternative cooking method? I have no working oven. Can it be done stove top at a simmer?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Martha, you can make these short ribs on the stovetop. I would use a very low heat and let them simmer for a few hours.
Tanya says
I dont have a Dutch oven. Can i use something else?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Tanya, you can also use any cast iron pot with an oven-safe lid or any pot and lid that are oven safe. Preferably a heavy-bottomed pot. Hope that helps.
Jay Stephens says
Made this for my family gathering and it was a great success! The meat is so tender and flavorful. This recipe is easier than I thought. Thank you!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Jay, I’m so happy that you and your family enjoyed this braised beef recipe! Thank you so much for your awesome feedback 🙂
Ray says
Its in the oven, smells awesome! Is that sage on top, in the picture?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Ray, I am happy to hear that you are making this recipe! I hope you enjoy these braised beef short ribs:) That is thyme on top in the picture.
Joanne says
Hi Dina I have just gone to the store to buy the ingredients for the braised beef recipe but I’ve forgotten the mushrooms,can you suggest any thing else or will it be okay without???
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Joanne, you can totally make the braised beef short ribs without the mushrooms 🙂
Alina says
Hi I was wondering can you do this in the instant pot?
Dina says
Hi Alina, yes this should work in an instant pot. I have not tried it but I know that there are a lot of similar recipes like this using an instant pot.
Angie says
If I didn’t want to do wine; do you have a recommendation on a substitute? What’s a good amount to pay for short ribs?? Thanks!!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Angie, you can substitute the red wine with more chicken broth or beef broth for this braised beef short ribs recipe. Also, it’s hard for me to determine the price of short ribs since every story can differ quite vastly.
Hannah says
Short ribs were on sale at my grocery store and I knew I had to get them and try this! Just put them in the oven and it already smells divine in my kitchen! So excited!
Dina says
I’m excited for you as well! I hope you absolutely love these short ribs! Please let me know how they turn out! 🙂
Ananda says
What did you do with the bacon?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Ananda, I actually don’t add the bacon back in. The bacon is only to add flavor to the braised beef short ribs. You can snack on the cooked bacon or add it as a salad topper 🙂
Lisa D says
These short ribs look amazing and will be on my table soon!! I was kind of surprised to see you used chicken broth instead of beef broth when cooking these. Would beef broth overpower the dish?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Lisa, I actually just used whatever I had on hand. You are more than welcome to use beef broth or even vegetable broth for the braised beef short ribs. The beef broth shouldn’t overpower the dish at all. I hope you love it!
Julia Frey says
These short ribs look absolutely mouthwatering. I need to make them asap! My whole family loves braised dishes!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you, Julia! These braised beef short ribs have become such a family favorite here as well 🙂
Cathy says
Hello! Made this for dinner tonight and was so good! Didn’t have any bacon so just seared the ribs in olive oil. Will definitely make this again. Thank you!
simplyhomecooked says
Glad to hear you loved this braised beef short ribs recipe! Very excited that this recipe will be a repeat recipe in your home 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an awesome review and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Natasha says
Dina, when I saw your video recipe for these braised beef short ribs, my mouth watered. Tender ribs that fall off bone are the best!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you, Natasha! We are over the moon for these short ribs! So easy and so tasty!
Katya says
These braised beef ribs look amazing Dina! I love how you can take simple ingredients and transform them into something absolutely amazing.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much, Katya! You are so kind 🙂
Kate says
Can I do this using an Instant Pot? How long should I cook it ?(if I’ll choose high pressure)
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Kate, you can most definitely make these braised beef short ribs in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes followed by a 10-15 minute natural release. Then remove the short ribs and pour the water/cornstarch mixture inside and set it to the saute function and bring it to a simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Then place the short ribs back inside. I hope you give this a try Kate. I would love to know how they turn out 🙂
Truc says
Love it!!! I will try this Monday!!
Thanksssssss😘
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Truc, I hope you love the braised beef recipe!