Craving a hearty and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare? This Simple Beef Short Ribs recipe is perfect for you. These succulent ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone and a rich, savory sauce. Follow this recipe to create a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What are Beef Short Ribs?
Beef short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. They consist of a short portion of the rib bone overlain by meat that can vary in thickness. When cooked slowly, the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making beef short ribs a favorite for many.
Ingredients List for Simple Beef Short Ribs
To make these delicious short ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients List for Simple Beef Short Ribs (Continued)
For additional flavor, you can also include:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
These optional ingredients will enhance the flavor of your short ribs.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Wine: Substitute red wine with beef broth or omit it entirely if you prefer not to use alcohol.
- Vegetables: Add or substitute vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste, or use a pre-made spice mix for convenience.
These variations allow you to customize the dish to your liking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the carrots and celery into chunks.
Step 2: Season the Short Ribs
Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Short Ribs
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs in batches, searing on all sides until they are browned. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine (if using) and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and any additional spices. Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Add the carrots and celery around the ribs.
Step 7: Cook
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the short ribs simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Alternatively, you can cook the short ribs in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for the same amount of time.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them on a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves and any large pieces of fat. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stove to reduce it to your desired consistency. Pour the sauce and vegetables over the short ribs. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Cook Simple Beef Short Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking these short ribs is easy if you follow these steps:
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop vegetables and measure out spices.
- Season Short Ribs: Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Sear Short Ribs: Brown the short ribs on all sides in a hot pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook the onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in red wine (if using) and beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices. Nestle ribs into the liquid and add vegetables.
- Cook: Simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours or bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove ribs, reduce sauce if needed, and serve with vegetables and garnish.
Following these steps ensures a delicious and tender beef short ribs dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your short ribs turn out perfectly:
- Not Searing Properly: Searing the short ribs adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Sear the ribs in batches to ensure even browning.
- Skipping Deglazing: Deglazing the pot captures all the flavorful browned bits. Don’t skip it.
- Not Cooking Long Enough: Short ribs need long, slow cooking to become tender. Be patient.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked short ribs every time.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your dish more appealing. Here are some tips:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the short ribs for a pop of color.
- Accompaniments: Serve with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Plating: Arrange the short ribs on a platter with the vegetables around them for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Simple Beef Short Ribs
Serve these short ribs hot, straight from the pot. Here’s how to make them extra special:
- Plating: Arrange the ribs on a serving platter and pour the sauce and vegetables over the top.
- Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Toppings: Offer additional toppings like grated horseradish or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Simple Beef Short Ribs
Make your dish stand out with these presentation ideas:
- Color Contrast: Use bright, fresh herbs and colorful vegetables for visual interest.
- Serving Dish: Present in a beautiful, large serving dish or platter.
- Layering: Ensure the ribs are prominently displayed with vegetables evenly distributed.
Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out spices ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove.
- Freezing: Short ribs freeze well. Store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the short ribs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze beef short ribs?
Absolutely! Store the cooked short ribs in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stove for the best taste.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
While this recipe is specifically for beef short ribs, you can use similar cooking methods for other cuts of beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Simple Beef Short Ribs are a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavors and tender meat, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own!
PrintSimple Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor tender Beef Short Ribs, slow-cooked with rich flavors for a delicious and hearty meal. Perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the short ribs in red wine and herbs overnight before cooking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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