If I could bottle up the smell of comfort, it would definitely be the aroma of Red Wine Braised Short Ribs simmering on the stove. When I first made these, I couldn’t believe how a few simple ingredients came together to create such an elegant, yet hearty dish.

The melt-in-your-mouth tender short ribs paired with the rich, savory sauce felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish may seem fancy, but trust me, once you try it, you’ll see how straightforward and rewarding it is to make.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, these short ribs will steal the show.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these fall-off-the-bone short ribs to life:

2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
2 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
2 cups beef broth
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp flour
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Note: These ingredient quantities are designed to serve 4 people. Adjust the measurements proportionally if you’re cooking for a different number of servings.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? These simple tweaks will have you covered!

Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with extra olive oil for sautéing aromatics.
Alcohol-Free: Swap the wine for grape juice or additional beef broth.
Mushroom Addition: Toss in mushrooms alongside the other aromatics for an earthy twist.
Sweetness Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of brown sugar to the sauce for a hint of sweetness.

Cooking Time

Here’s how the time breaks down for this mouthwatering meal!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
Tongs to handle the ribs while searing.
Measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce and aromatics.

How to Make Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?

This recipe comes together in a few basic steps. Don’t rush – the slow cooking is where all the magic happens! 🍷

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Start by patting the short ribs dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust the ribs with flour. Searing them in a hot pan until golden brown locks in the juices and adds incredible depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this step! 😋

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Once the short ribs are seared, set them aside and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until soft and fragrant. This forms the flavor base for the dish. Don’t rush this step – the more aromatic your veggies are, the tastier the sauce will be! 🥕🧄

Step 3: Add the Wine and Tomato Paste

Deglaze the pot by pouring in the red wine, scraping up all those flavorful bits on the bottom. Stir in the tomato paste, which gives the sauce extra richness. Simmer until the wine reduces by half, intensifying its flavor. 🍷

Step 4: Slow Braise

Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Pour in the beef broth and add fresh thyme and rosemary. Cover the pot and place it in a preheated oven, allowing the meat to braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. 🕒

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, skim any extra fat off the top of the sauce. Serve the ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles. Be sure to drizzle plenty of that rich sauce over the top before digging in! 🍽️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are countless reasons to adore these Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, but here are a few that will have you sold before you even take the first bite.

Easy to Prepare

Don’t be intimidated by how gourmet this dish sounds. Most of the cooking happens hands-off, as the meat slowly braises to perfection. Prep the ingredients, sear the meat, and then just let the magic happen on its own. It’s perfect even for novice cooks!

Packed with Flavor

The combination of red wine, fresh herbs, tender beef, and rich aromatics promises a luxurious flavor in every bite. The sauce alone is so good you’ll want to soak up every last drop with a piece of crusty bread.

Great for Any Occasion

This recipe is versatile enough to work for any setting. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for a special gathering, these braised short ribs will fit right in.

Perfectly Customizable

From adding mushrooms to adjusting the herbs, you can customize the recipe to suit your personal taste. Plus, there are great options for making it dairy-free or alcohol-free if needed.

Impressive but Low-Stress

Guests won’t believe how little effort went into creating such a memorable dish. It’s the kind of recipe that looks and tastes fancy but lets you do most of the work in advance.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose Quality Wine: Since the wine is central to the recipe, pick one you enjoy drinking for the best results.
Temperature Matters: Always bring meat to room temperature before cooking for even searing.
Take Your Time: The longer the ribs braise, the more tender they’ll get, so don’t rush it!
Layer Flavors: Properly seasoning at each step ensures a robust, multi-dimensional taste.

How to Serve Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?

Presentation is everything when serving this stunning dish! Spoon the ribs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for an elevated plate. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. You can pair it with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe for the ultimate dining experience.

Nutritional Information

This dish isn’t just delicious – it’s satisfying too! Per serving, you’ll get approximately:

Calories: 500
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 32g

Make Ahead and Storage

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are great for meal prep since they taste even better the next day. Cook them a day in advance, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight!

To reheat, warm the ribs gently in a pot over low heat. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

With effortless prep, bold flavors, and versatile serving options, these Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try tonight and savor the taste of comfort in every bite!

Watch this video to learn how to make it: