Beef Short Ribs Recipe – Slow-Braised to Perfection

Beef short ribs Recipe are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy, and packed with deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or just want a hearty dinner that melts in your mouth, this slow-braised beef short ribs recipe is the way to go.

These ribs are cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth, allowing the meat to become incredibly soft while absorbing all the delicious seasonings. The result? Fall-off-the-bone goodness that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even crusty bread.

What Are Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

Short ribs come from the lower section of the cow’s rib cage, known for its intense marbling and deep beefy flavor. Unlike traditional pork ribs, short ribs have a higher fat content, which makes them perfect for slow cooking.

There are two main types of short ribs:

✅ English-Cut Short Ribs: These are thicker, meatier pieces, cut parallel to the bone. Best for braising!
✅ Flanken-Cut Short Ribs: These are thinly sliced across the bones and are often used in Korean BBQ.

For this recipe, English-cut short ribs work best because they hold up well to long braising and become beautifully tender.

Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Short Ribs

💡 Looking for another slow-cooked beef dish? Check out this Braised Corned Beef Brisket recipe!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Short Ribs

Step 1: Preparing the Short Ribs

1. Pat the ribs dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps with browning.
2. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Lightly coat the ribs with all-purpose flour. This helps create a golden crust when searing and slightly thickens the braising sauce.

Step 2: Searing for Extra Flavor

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil and butter, letting them heat until shimmering.
3. Place the short ribs in the pot without overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove the ribs and set them aside on a plate.

Searing locks in juices and creates a deep, caramelized crust, which is essential for building flavor!

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn soft and golden, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Toss in the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally. These veggies add natural sweetness and balance out the richness.
3. If using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This deglazes the pot, lifting up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 4: Braising the Short Ribs

1. Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the veggies.
2. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the ribs are partially submerged.
3. Add bay leaves for an earthy aroma.
4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot.

Step 5: The Slow Cook

This is where the magic happens! Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and let it braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissues, leaving you with buttery-soft, fall-apart beef.

Check the ribs halfway through and baste them with the cooking liquid to ensure they stay juicy. If needed, add a little more broth or water.

💡 Want another slow-cooked meat option? Try this Crockpot Ham Recipe for a tender, flavorful meal!

Step 6: Resting and Serving

1. Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the pot and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even more flavorful.
2. While the meat is resting, reduce the braising liquid on the stovetop to create a thick, rich sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Short Ribs

These short ribs deserve the perfect side dishes!

✅ Fried Potatoes and Onions – Crispy, golden potatoes that pair beautifully with braised meats.
✅ Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts – A savory vegetable dish that complements the deep flavors of the short ribs.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Short Ribs Recipe Without Losing Flavor

Short ribs taste even better the next day because the flavors deepen as they sit in the braising liquid. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure they stay tender and juicy rather than becoming dry or chewy.

Storing Leftover Short Ribs

✅ Cool Completely – Allow the short ribs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the meat soggy.
✅ Store with Braising Liquid – Always keep the ribs submerged in some of the sauce to retain moisture and flavor.
✅ Refrigeration: Transfer the ribs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Best Methods for Reheating Short Ribs

Short ribs can dry out if reheated incorrectly. Follow these simple steps to bring them back to life.

Oven Method (Best for Large Portions)

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place short ribs in a baking dish and spoon some braising liquid over them.
3. Cover tightly with foil and heat for 20-30 minutes, until warmed through.

Stovetop Method (Quick and Effective)

1. Add the short ribs and some sauce to a skillet over low heat.
2. Cover and let them heat gently for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Microwave Method (For Individual Servings)

1. Place short ribs in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add a splash of braising liquid and cover with a damp paper towel.
3. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking for warmth.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using high heat, which can cause the meat to dry out. Slow reheating ensures tender, juicy short ribs.

Can You Freeze Short Ribs?

Yes! Short ribs freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping or future cravings.

How to Freeze Short Ribs Properly

✅ Wrap It Right: Use plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container.
✅ Use Portion Sizes: If you plan to reheat only part of the dish, divide the ribs into smaller portions before freezing.
✅ Label & Date: Write the freezing date on the container to track freshness.

How Long Do Short Ribs Last in the Freezer?

🧊 Best Quality: Up to 3 months
🧊 Safe to Eat: Up to 6 months, but texture may change slightly

Thawing and Reheating Frozen Short Ribs

✅ Fridge Method (Best for Flavor): Thaw the short ribs in the refrigerator overnight.
✅ Quick Thaw: If in a hurry, place the wrapped ribs in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for 1-2 hours.
✅ Reheating: Use the oven or stovetop methods above for the best results.

💡 Want another slow-cooked meat idea? Try this Crockpot Ham Recipe for another tender and flavorful dish!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Short Ribs

Short ribs are delicious on their own, but leftovers can be transformed into amazing new dishes.

1. Short Rib Tacos 🌮

Shred leftover short ribs and serve in warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, avocado, and pickled onions.

2. Short Rib Pasta 🍝

Toss shredded short ribs into a rich tomato sauce and mix with pappardelle or fettuccine for a luxurious pasta dish.

3. Short Rib Grilled Cheese 🥪

Layer shredded short ribs between buttery toasted bread and melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.

4. Short Rib Pizza 🍕

Top a crispy pizza crust with shredded short ribs, caramelized onions, and mozzarella cheese.

5. Short Rib Risotto 🍚

Mix chopped short ribs into a creamy risotto for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

💡 Need a side dish idea? Try these Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts for a savory veggie pairing!

FAQs About Beef Short Ribs Recipe

1. How Long Do You Cook a Boneless Rib of Beef?

The cooking time depends on the method used and the desired level of doneness.

✅ Oven Roasting: At 325°F (163°C), cook for 20-25 minutes per pound for medium-rare (130-135°F internal temperature).
✅ Slow Braising: Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours until fork-tender.
✅ Grilling: Sear over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then finish on indirect heat until it reaches 130°F for medium-rare.

Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness!

2. What Is the Preferred Cooking Method for Boneless Short Ribs?

Boneless short ribs are best braised because this low and slow method breaks down their connective tissues and renders the fat, resulting in ultra-tender meat.

✅ Braising: Cooked in broth, wine, or sauce for 3 hours at 300°F (150°C).
✅ Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
✅ Sous Vide: Cook at 155°F (68°C) for 24 hours for perfect tenderness.
✅ Grilling: Works best for thin boneless ribs, marinated and cooked quickly over high heat.

3. Why Are My Boneless Beef Ribs Tough?

If your boneless beef ribs are chewy or dry, one of these common mistakes may be the reason:

❌ Undercooked: The connective tissues haven’t had enough time to break down. Keep braising until fork-tender.
❌ Too High Heat: Short ribs need low and slow cooking. High heat makes them tough.
❌ No Resting Time: Let the meat rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
❌ Not Enough Liquid: Braising requires enough broth or sauce to keep the meat moist.

4. How Are Beef Ribs Supposed to Be Cooked?

The best cooking method for beef ribs depends on the cut:

✅ Short Ribs (Bone-in or Boneless): Best when braised or slow-cooked.
✅ Back Ribs: Perfect for grilling or smoking, cooked at 225°F (107°C) for 4-6 hours.
✅ Flanken-Cut Ribs: Great for quick grilling or stir-frying.

5. Why Are My Short Ribs Still Tough After Cooking?

If your short ribs aren’t fall-apart tender, they probably need more time. Keep cooking at a low temperature until a fork easily slides in.

6. Should I Sear Short Ribs Before Braising?

Yes! Searing creates a deep, rich crust that enhances the flavor of the braised dish.

✅ How to Sear: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
✅ Why It Matters: Adds caramelized flavors and locks in juices.

7. Can I Make Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers create tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort.

✅ Low Setting: 6-8 hours
✅ High Setting: 4-5 hours

💡 Tip: Brown the ribs first for extra flavor!

8. What’s the Best Wine for Braising Short Ribs?

A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz enhances the sauce’s depth.

9. Can I Make Short Ribs Without Wine?

Yes! Use extra beef broth, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce instead.

10. What’s the Best Side Dish for Short Ribs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or Fried Potatoes and Onions pair perfectly.

11. How Do I Know When Short Ribs Are Done?

They should be fork-tender and have an internal temperature of 190-205°F (88-96°C).

12. Can I Make Short Ribs in Advance?

Yes! They taste even better the next day after resting in their juices overnight.

13. What’s the Difference Between English-Cut and Flanken-Cut Short Ribs?

✅ English-Cut: Thick pieces with one bone per rib, best for braising.
✅ Flanken-Cut: Thinly sliced across the bones, perfect for grilling or stir-frying.

Now that you know all the secrets, it’s time to give this beef short ribs recipe a try! 😊

Final Thoughts

Short ribs are the perfect combination of rich, beefy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this slow-braised beef short ribs recipe is a guaranteed hit.

✨ Why This Recipe Works:
✅ Slow-braising makes the ribs incredibly tender
✅ Aromatics like garlic and onions add depth of flavor
✅ Leftovers can be transformed into delicious new meals

For expert insights into the nutritional benefits of beef and its role in a balanced diet, check out this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resource. It provides detailed information on protein content, essential vitamins, and minerals like iron and B vitamins, which contribute to muscle health and overall well-being.