Description
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Short Ribs recipe features tender, flavorful ribs slow-cooked in a rich sauce made with red wine, beef broth, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The ribs are first seared to lock in flavor and then braised in the oven for 3 to 4 hours until perfectly fork-tender, resulting in a savory and comforting dish perfect for special occasions or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Short Ribs
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
For Searing and Sautéing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (preferably Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow braising of the ribs.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a rich brown crust.
- Remove Ribs: Take the seared ribs out of the pot and set them aside to prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release their aroma.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen all browned bits. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, mixing everything well to combine the sauce flavors.
- Return Ribs: Place the seared short ribs back into the pot, making sure they are mostly submerged in the sauce for even braising.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 to 4 hours until the ribs become fork-tender and melt in your mouth.
- Check for Doneness: After 3 hours, check the tenderness of the ribs. If they need more time, return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and let the ribs rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a deeply satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and heat retention during braising.
- Red wine adds depth of flavor, but you can substitute with more beef broth if preferred.
- For best results, brown the ribs well as this builds the foundation of flavor for the sauce.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated and re-heated gently in their sauce to preserve moisture.
- Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
