There’s something so soul-satisfying about a plate of tender, fall-apart beef short ribs, braised low and slow in a rich sauce until every bite melts in your mouth. These Easy Braised Short Ribs are the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and brings everyone to the table in anticipation.

Perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether paired with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread, these short ribs are the comfort food you didn’t know you needed.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Braised Short Ribs?

For this recipe, English-cut beef short ribs are ideal. They have a generous amount of meat and just the right marbling for braising. You want the kind that is cut parallel to the bone rather than across (like flanken-style). The bone adds deep flavor while the slow cook time tenderizes the meat beautifully.

Ingredients for the Easy Braised Short Ribs

Beef Short Ribs (Bone-In): The star of the show, these bring bold beefy flavor and richness to the dish.

Carrots & Celery: These aromatics add sweetness and depth to the sauce as they cook down.

Yellow Onion: Essential for building flavor in the base of your braise.

Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the entire pot with a savory undertone.

Tomato Paste: Adds body and umami to the braising liquid.

Beef Broth: Forms the base of the braising liquid; use low sodium so you can better control seasoning.

Red Wine (Dry): A splash of dry red wine adds acidity and complexity. Choose something drinkable, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Fresh Thyme & Bay Leaves: Herbs that lend an earthy aroma and balance the richness of the dish.

Olive Oil: For browning the ribs and sautéing vegetables.

Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning throughout the cooking process.

How To Make the Easy Braised Short Ribs

Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a heavy Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the ribs in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook out for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Braise Low and Slow

Add in the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and the seared ribs. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven. Let it braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Remove the ribs from the pot and skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Reduce the sauce on the stove for a few minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency. Spoon it over the short ribs and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Easy Braised Short Ribs

Serve these short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or even cheesy grits for a rich and satisfying meal. The savory sauce pairs beautifully with starchy sides that can soak it all up.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day. You can also freeze the cooked ribs and sauce for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this in a slow cooker?

Sear the ribs and prepare the aromatics on the stovetop as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes. You can substitute with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for depth.

What can I do with leftover short ribs?

Shred the meat and toss it with pasta, tuck it into tacos, or use it in sandwiches with melty cheese.

Do I need a Dutch oven?

Not necessarily. Any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid will work. Just make sure it can go from stovetop to oven.

Can I make this a day ahead?

Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight. Simply reheat gently before serving.

Should I strain the sauce?

You can! For a smoother sauce, strain out the solids after cooking and reduce the liquid slightly.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Beef?

If you love these Easy Braised Short Ribs, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty beef recipes too:

Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a cheesy twist on a classic.
Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie if you’re craving a loaded meat pie.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce for a fast and creamy skillet meal.
Mississippi Beef and Noodles for a cozy dinner you can slow-cook.
Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce when you’re craving pasta night with bold flavors.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use wine or skip it? Serve it over mashed potatoes or something else?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with flavor.

Looking for more recipes? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina where I share all my latest creations!

Easy Braised Short Ribs

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Braised Short Ribs are fall-apart tender and simmered low and slow in a rich, savory sauce made with red wine, herbs, and aromatics. Perfect for cozy nights or make-ahead meals, this dish delivers comforting, hearty flavor in every bite.