Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Slow-braised in a rich red wine reduction, these short ribs are unbelievably tender and infused with deep, savory flavors. The meat effortlessly falls off the bone, while the silky, aromatic sauce creates a luxurious finish. Served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.

Perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner party, these short ribs impress with their bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The slow braising process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making every bite a perfect balance of savory, hearty goodness. Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups dry red wine

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Season short ribs generously with salt and black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.

5. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute.

6. Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Return the short ribs to the pot, then add beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

8. Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.

9. Remove ribs and strain the sauce if desired. Simmer sauce on the stovetop to thicken, then serve over ribs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs – A Luxurious and Comforting Dish

Red wine braised short ribs are the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet touch. This dish features bone-in beef short ribs that are slowly cooked in a rich and aromatic red wine sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture with deep, robust flavors. The combination of slow braising, quality ingredients, and time allows the meat to become tender and infused with the essence of the red wine and herbs. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even a simple crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why Braising Is the Best Cooking Method for Short Ribs

Braising is a slow-cooking method that uses both dry and moist heat to break down tough cuts of meat. Short ribs, being a well-marbled cut with connective tissue, benefit immensely from this process. The initial searing locks in flavor, while the slow simmering in liquid tenderizes the meat over time, allowing it to absorb the rich, deep flavors of the wine, broth, and aromatics. The result is a dish that is both succulent and intensely flavorful, with a sauce that is velvety and full-bodied.

Choosing the Right Wine for Braising

The red wine used in this dish plays a crucial role in flavor development. Since the wine is reduced and incorporated into the sauce, choosing the right type enhances the final taste. A dry, full-bodied red wine with good acidity and tannins works best. Some excellent choices include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – A bold and structured wine with rich dark fruit flavors and firm tannins, which complement the deep flavors of the beef.

• Merlot – A smoother, fruit-forward wine with soft tannins that add a touch of sweetness and balance to the sauce.

• Zinfandel – A spicy, robust wine with notes of black pepper and ripe berries, adding warmth and complexity.

• Pinot Noir – A lighter option with bright acidity and earthy notes that enhance the depth of the braising liquid.

Key Ingredients That Elevate the Flavor

Aside from the red wine, the other ingredients in this recipe contribute significantly to its depth and richness. The aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery, form the base of the sauce, providing natural sweetness and balance. Garlic and tomato paste enhance umami flavors, while fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with earthy and aromatic undertones. Beef broth adds body to the sauce, ensuring a silky texture that coats each bite of meat beautifully.

Best Sides to Serve with Braised Short Ribs

The luxurious sauce created from braising deserves the perfect accompaniment. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with red wine braised short ribs:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The buttery, smooth texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect contrast to the rich sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor.

• Buttery Polenta – A silky and slightly sweet polenta pairs beautifully with the deep, savory flavors of the ribs.

• Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips provide a slightly caramelized sweetness that complements the dish.

• Crusty Bread – A simple, rustic bread allows you to enjoy every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

• Pasta or Pappardelle – Wide, ribbon-like noodles are excellent for holding onto the sauce, making for an indulgent pasta dish.

Tips for the Best Braised Short Ribs

• Use Bone-In Short Ribs – The bones add extra depth of flavor to the sauce, making the dish richer and more robust.

• Don’t Skip the Searing Step – Browning the short ribs before braising helps develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Let the Wine Reduce – After adding the wine, let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the broth. This concentrates the flavors and ensures a rich sauce.

• Braise Low and Slow – Cooking the ribs at a lower temperature for a longer time allows the meat to become fork-tender and prevents it from drying out.

• Skim the Fat – Short ribs release a good amount of fat during cooking. Skimming off excess fat from the sauce ensures a balanced and smooth texture.

Can You Make Braised Short Ribs Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day. Allowing the flavors to meld overnight enhances the richness of the sauce. Simply let the short ribs cool, refrigerate them in the sauce, and reheat them slowly on the stovetop before serving. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dish for dinner parties or special occasions.

Pairing Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Drinks

While this dish is cooked in red wine, pairing it with the right beverage enhances the overall dining experience. Some great drink options include:

• A Bold Red Wine – Serve the same wine you used for braising, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel, to complement the flavors.

• Aged Bourbon or Whiskey – The smoky and caramel notes of aged bourbon pair beautifully with the deep, rich sauce.

• Dark Beer or Stout – A malty, full-bodied beer enhances the savory umami flavors of the short ribs.

• Non-Alcoholic Option – A pomegranate or cherry juice reduction can mimic the tannins of red wine, providing a great non-alcoholic pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Cheap Cooking Wine – The wine flavor becomes more concentrated as it cooks, so using a high-quality wine you would drink makes a difference.

• Skipping the Resting Time – Letting the dish rest after cooking allows the meat to absorb more flavors and makes it easier to skim excess fat.

• Rushing the Cooking Process – Braising requires patience. Cooking at too high a temperature or for too short a time will result in tough meat.

Conclusion

Red wine braised short ribs are a timeless dish that showcases the beauty of slow cooking. The combination of tender beef, rich sauce, and aromatic flavors creates a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether served for a cozy dinner at home or as an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression. With the right wine, a slow braising process, and the perfect side pairings, you’ll create a dish that’s deeply flavorful and truly unforgettable. Enjoy the experience of cooking it, savor the aromas as it braises, and indulge in every bite when it’s finally served.