Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, flavorful beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Braised Short Ribs

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 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
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Timing

Making Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 3 hours for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Heat Oil: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear Ribs: Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Deglaze and Braise

1. Add Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the short ribs to the pot.
3. Braise: Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil Potatoes: While the ribs are braising, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Remove the short ribs from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Serve the ribs over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, spooning some of the braising liquid over the top.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600
Protein	45g
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added as a garnish for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips into the braise for added depth.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

Conclusion

Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes is a rich and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its tender meat and creamy potatoes, it’s a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions!