Name: Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef short ribs (approximately 6-8 pieces); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed); 2 Tablespoons tomato paste; 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup dry red wine; 1-2 quarts beef stock (or beef broth)

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If you are looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a comforting, indulgent meal, this Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef soaked in rich, aromatic sauce, layered with the deep flavors of garlic, red wine, and Italian herbs, makes it a soulful classic that’s surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a special dinner, these short ribs bring warmth and joy to the table, delivering that perfect balance of rustic elegance and homestyle comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white pots on a white marbled surface. The left pot has a dark reddish broth with visible chopped green and red vegetables floating in the liquid, stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside. The right pot holds a darker brown broth with several pieces of cooked meat submerged and partially floating, also stirred by a similar wooden spoon resting inside. Both pots have pale green handles, and the textures of the broths differ, with the left one looking chunkier due to vegetables and the right one smoother but with meat pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe plays a crucial role, working together to create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. From the hearty short ribs to the fresh vegetables and robust seasonings, these ingredients are simple yet essential for achieving that signature tender and savory result.

3 pounds beef short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps in seasoning the meat evenly.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the ribs, it brings a subtle fruity richness.
1 cup diced yellow onion: Provides a slightly sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
½ cup diced carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
½ cup diced celery: Offers a gentle, refreshing crunch and balances flavors.
4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed): Infuses the dish with its iconic pungent warmth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Thickens the sauce while delivering a concentrated, savory tang.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean flair.
1 cup dry red wine: Deepens the flavor profile with fruity and earthy undertones.
1-2 quarts beef stock (or beef broth): Creates a rich, flavorful braising liquid that tenderizes the ribs perfectly.

How to Make Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Short Ribs

Start by patting the beef short ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is key to getting a beautiful sear later on. Season the ribs liberally on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring the seasoning permeates every surface. Setting them aside for a moment lets the flavors begin to meld.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs to Lock in Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the short ribs in batches so they aren’t crowded and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized. This Maillard reaction forms the flavorful crust that’s essential for depth in the Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe. After searing, transfer the ribs to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base with Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced yellow onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Saute them for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their natural sweetness to bloom. This combination acts as the flavor foundation for the sauce, adding layers of complexity.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Herbs, and Tomato Paste

Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the softened vegetables, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 more minutes. This process helps concentrate the tomato’s flavor and deepen the sauce’s richness, paving the way for the wine to complement the dish.

Step 5: Deglaze with Red Wine and Add Broth

Pour in the cup of dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and enhance the dish’s depth. Return the short ribs to the pot along with any juices that have gathered on the plate. Then, pour in enough beef stock to mostly cover the ribs, creating the perfect braising liquid for tender meat.

Step 6: Slow Simmer Until Tender

Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the ribs simmer gently for 3-4 hours, giving the meat time to break down and become fork-tender while soaking in all those rich aromas. Patience is key here; the slow cooking is what transforms this Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe into a truly unforgettable meal.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce and Serve

Once the ribs are tender and ready, carefully remove them to rest on a clean plate. Turn the heat back up to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes without the lid. This step reduces and thickens the sauce, concentrating the flavors even more. Pour this luscious sauce over the ribs right before serving for a truly decadent experience.

How to Serve Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Two thick pieces of cooked meat with bones lie in a round white cooking pot with light green handles. The meat has a browned, crispy outer layer with visible grill marks and some fat around the edges. The pot has some oil or juice collected at the bottom, showing a shiny texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary add a pop of green color and a fresh aroma that beautifully complements the rich, meaty flavors. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also lend a salty, savory kick, bringing extra depth to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these short ribs with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy risotto to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette provide a bright contrast, balancing the hearty meat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve the short ribs atop a bed of truffle-infused mashed potatoes or nestle them alongside garlic sautéed greens. You can also shred the meat off the bone after braising and use it in gourmet sandwiches or atop crostini for a decadent appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover short ribs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delightful.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled ribs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce thickens too much. This way, you’ll recapture that luscious, tender texture and vibrant taste every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of short ribs?

While short ribs are ideal for their rich marbling and tenderness, you can use brisket or chuck roast as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they become equally tender.

Is red wine necessary for this recipe?

Red wine adds depth and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This usually takes about 3 to 4 hours of slow simmering.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the ribs and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender for a hands-off approach.

What wine pairs well when serving these short ribs?

A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Sangiovese complements the richness and flavors in this Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about slow-cooked, tender meat infused with bold Italian flavors, and this Braised Italian Beef Short Ribs Recipe delivers on every level. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed. The rich sauce, perfectly tender beef, and hearty aromatics come together in a way that truly feels special, every time.