Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender Beef Short Ribs brings deep, rich flavors to your plate, offering a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The beef short ribs are seared to perfection, then slowly braised in a mixture of savory vegetables, herbs, and red wine, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The combination of beef stock, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves creates a sauce that soaks into the meat, making every bite an unforgettable experience. Ideal for a special dinner or a cozy weekend meal, these ribs are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Meat:

• 4–5 beef short ribs (bone-in, English cut, ~2.5–3 lbs total)
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for dusting)

For Searing and Braise:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil with high smoke point
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups beef stock or broth (low-sodium)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 dried bay leaves
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the beef short ribs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, dust the ribs lightly with all-purpose flour to enhance the searing process.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the short ribs in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re deeply browned. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it darken slightly.
7. Pour in the dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
8. Add the beef stock, fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
9. Return the seared short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the liquid.
10. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
11. Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the herb stems and bay leaves. Optional: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
12. Serve the short ribs hot with the braising liquid and vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 people
• Total Time: 3 to 3.5 hours (including searing and braising)

Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: If you prefer, you can transfer the seared ribs and braising liquid to a slow cooker, setting it on low for 6-8 hours instead of using the oven.
• Add Vegetables: You can add more vegetables, like parsnips or potatoes, for additional texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a mild heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the short ribs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop after resting.
• Freezing: The short ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a covered pot over low heat until warmed through.
• Reheating: Reheat the ribs in a covered pot on the stove or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount.

FAQs

How can I ensure the beef short ribs turn out tender?

To achieve tender beef short ribs, it’s important to braise them slowly at a low temperature. The long cooking time allows the tough connective tissues to break down, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone texture.

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

While beef short ribs are ideal for this recipe, you could substitute with other cuts like beef chuck or brisket. However, the cooking time may vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors will develop even more, making it perfect for meal prep or a dinner party.

What type of wine should I use?

Choose a dry red wine with a rich flavor, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir. These wines complement the beef and vegetables beautifully during braising.

Is it necessary to sear the short ribs before braising?

Searing the short ribs before braising adds depth of flavor by creating a caramelized crust on the meat, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Skipping this step may result in a slightly different flavor profile.

What can I serve with these beef short ribs?

These short ribs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. The rich braising liquid also makes an excellent sauce to drizzle over your sides.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Use 3 sprigs of rosemary, 4 sprigs of thyme, and 2 fresh bay leaves in place of the dried versions.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for the best results.

Is there a way to thicken the braising liquid?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the ribs after cooking and simmer the braising liquid on the stove until it reduces to your desired thickness. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

This Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender Beef Short Ribs recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. With its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.

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