Ultimate Comfort Food Braised Short Ribs are a rich and hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. The slow-braised beef becomes tender and flavorful, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Ultimate Comfort Food Braised Short Ribs takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 2.5 to 3 hours for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

1. Heat Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown Ribs: Add the short ribs in batches, searing them on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

1. Add Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half (about 10 minutes).
2. Stir in Broth and Tomato Paste: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Braise the Short Ribs

1. Return Ribs to Pot: Nestle the seared short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
2. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove Ribs: Carefully remove the short ribs from the pot and set them on a serving platter.
2. Strain Sauce (optional): If desired, strain the sauce to remove the vegetables and herbs, then return it to the pot and simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Garnish: Serve the short ribs with the sauce drizzled over the top, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Ultimate Comfort Food Braised Short Ribs (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	40g
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve with Sides: These short ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make Ahead: Braised short ribs can be made a day in advance; the flavors will deepen as they sit. Just reheat gently before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Ultimate Comfort Food Braised Short Ribs are a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs?

Yes, boneless short ribs can be used, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

What type of wine should I use?

A good quality dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, works well for braising.