These beef short ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, making them tender and full of flavor. Roasted in the oven, they soak up all the delicious seasonings and become melt-in-your-mouth good.
Honestly, who can resist juicy, flavorful meat? I love serving these with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last bit of that tasty sauce. It’s a cozy meal that’s perfect for dinner! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish! Look for meaty, well-marbled ribs for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you might try beef chuck roast cut into pieces, though it won’t have the same fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon is great for its strong flavors. If you want to skip the alcohol, use grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity. A good-quality beef broth can also provide some depth.
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice sweetness to balance the savory flavors. If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to replace it with honey or maple syrup, just remember they can alter the flavor slightly.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient brings a delightful smoky flavor. You can swap it with regular paprika or omit it altogether, but you might miss that depth of flavor.
Fresh Parsley & Pomegranate Seeds: These are optional garnishes that add color and freshness. If you’re out of pomegranate seeds, fresh cranberries can be a fun alternative, just remember to adjust for sweetness!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Tender Short Ribs?
The key to tender short ribs is slow cooking. This allows the fat and collagen to break down, making the meat melt in your mouth. Here’s how to ensure you get it just right:
- Start by searing the ribs: This locks in flavors and creates a nice crust. Don’t rush this step!
- Cooking at 300°F (150°C) allows the meat to cook slowly without drying out. Low and slow is the motto here.
- Make sure the ribs are fully submerged in the braising liquid. This keeps them moist and flavor-packed.
- Check for tenderness: You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pulls the meat apart.
Finally, let the ribs rest a bit before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Absolute Best Slow Baked Oven Roasted Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Short Ribs:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Pomegranate seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires 3 to 4 hours of baking time in the oven. The result is mouthwatering, tender beef short ribs that are full of flavor. Get ready for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method is what makes the beef short ribs so tender and flavorful.
2. Season the Ribs:
Next, generously season your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Make sure they are well-covered for maximum flavor!
3. Sear the Ribs:
In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside for now.
4. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and cook it until it’s translucent, which will take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Stir everything together while scraping those delicious browned bits from the bottom. This is where the flavor really comes together!
6. Add Herbs and Spices:
Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary into the mix. Stir well to combine all those lovely flavors.
7. Return the Ribs:
Put the seared short ribs back into the pot and make sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid to keep all the moisture in.
8. Bake in the Oven:
Place the covered pot in your preheated oven and let it bake for 3 to 4 hours. Check on them occasionally; you want them to become tender and start falling off the bone.
9. Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Skim off any extra fat that’s floating on the surface of the sauce for a cleaner taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the short ribs warm, drizzling them with the cooking sauce. For a beautiful finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Enjoy your delicious, slow-baked beef short ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While short ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use beef chuck or brisket if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; these cuts may take a little longer to become tender, depending on their size.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Short Ribs?
Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate the ribs from the sauce for the best texture when reheating.
What Should I Serve with Beef Short Ribs?
These short ribs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a light salad. You could also serve them with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
