When I’m looking for a hearty dinner option that I know the whole family will love, I turn to hamburger steaks, chicken meatballs and these ultra delicious short ribs. There’s a secret ingredient in the sauce that really takes this dish over the top!
In my opinion, short ribs are an underutilized ingredient. They’re inexpensive, super flavorful and are easy to prepare. These braised short ribs are my favorite way to enjoy this cut of meat!
What are short ribs?
Short ribs come from the chuck section of the cow, and are the shortest ribs in the rib cage, hence their name. The meat from these ribs are part of the muscle, so it tends to be tough, but very flavorful. Short ribs need to cook for an extended period of time to get tender, but it’s most definitely worth the wait! You can purchase bone-in or boneless short ribs. Either will work just fine in this recipe. I personally prefer boneless short ribs because they are easier to eat with a lot less waste.
How do you make braised short ribs?
The first step is to sear your ribs until golden brown. After the ribs have browned, remove them from the pot and brown the vegetables. Add the sauce ingredients, then cover the pot. Bake the short ribs for about 4 hours or until tender. The next step is to skim the fat from the pan, then remove the ribs so you can thicken the sauce. Add cornstarch to the pot, then bring the sauce to a simmer. After the sauce has thickened, return the ribs to the pot and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, then serve and enjoy.
How long does it take to braise short ribs?
It takes approximately 3-4 hours in a 300 degrees F oven to braise short ribs. You can also braise short ribs in a slow cooker, which will take 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.
Tips for the perfect braised short ribs
The secret ingredient in this sauce is root beer! It doesn’t make the meat taste sweet, instead it adds a rich and complex flavor. Be sure to use real root beer that contains sugar, and not a diet root beer. These short ribs are even better the next day. You can cook them in advance, then just place your pot in the oven and heat at 350 degrees F, covered, until the ribs are warmed through. Serve your braised short ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, rice or pasta. I also like to add a green vegetable on the side such as broccoli, green beans or asparagus. Have leftover short ribs at the end of the night? Save the meat and use it to make beef noodle soup. I strongly prefer to use fresh herbs in this recipe, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Just use 1/3 of the amount that’s listed for the fresh herbs.
Slow cooker short ribs
This recipe can easily be adapted for the crock pot. Sear the meat and vegetables as directed, then place them, along with the remaining ingredients, in the crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours. To thicken the sauce, you’ll need to remove the short ribs and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the cornstarch to the slow cooker, then cook on high for 30 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Return the ribs to the slow cooker to coat with sauce, then serve.
Can you freeze braised short ribs?
This recipe is a great candidate for the freezer. I often make a double batch so that I’ll have extra to freeze for another night! Place the short ribs in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the ribs overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a pan on the stove top or in the oven, until warmed through. I have been making this braised short ribs recipe for over 10 years – it’s a classic that I keep coming back to again and again!
More comfort food dinners
Fried Pork Chops Crockpot Meatloaf Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Hamburger Soup Chicken Stew
Braised Short Ribs Video
