I have to confess—I didn’t make this recipe expecting it to turn out this good. But oh, how wrong I was! The first bite of these red wine cranberry-braised short ribs was bursting with richness, tang, and incredible depth of flavor.

The tender beef falls off the bone with just a touch, while the cranberry’s subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the robust, full-bodied red wine. If you’re in need of a wow-worthy meal for your family, date night, or even just to treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try! Trust me, your house will smell like heaven, and you might even earn a round of applause at the dinner table.

Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with This Recipe?

This dish is not just another beef recipe; it’s a culinary experience that delivers wow-factor flavors while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it!

Perfectly Simple Yet Gourmet

Don’t be intimidated by the word “braised.” While it sounds fancy, the process is super straightforward. The oven does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to relax while melt-in-your-mouth magic happens in the pot.

Packed with Comfort and Elegance

This dish has all the heartiness of a cozy comfort food yet screams elegance. Think of it as the perfect mix of home-cooked warmth and restaurant-quality flair.

Ingredients Do the Talking

With cranberries and red wine as star players, you get a beautiful marriage of tart and earthy flavors. Plus, everything in this recipe combines to naturally enhance the tender beef.

Versatility for Different Diets

This recipe isn’t stuck in one flavor lane. You can tweak it for dietary preferences, like gluten-free or dairy-free, or even add personal touches to up your flavor game.

An Eye-Catching Centerpiece

The deep red sauce, tender beef, and fresh herb garnish create a plate that’s as gorgeous to look at as it is delicious. Bring it out to the table, and it’s sure to wow your guests!

The Time You’ll Need

Here’s how you can plan your kitchen time around this flavorful dish!

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

What You’ll Need for This Recipe?

Here are the key ingredients to pick up for your kitchen adventure.

Beef short ribs
Salt
Black pepper
Vegetable oil
Onion
Carrots
Garlic
Red wine
Beef broth
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Tomato paste
Brown sugar
Fresh rosemary
Fresh thyme

Variations and Tools to Get the Job Done

For those who love to personalize recipes, here are some variations to try, along with your must-have tools!

Swap the Cranberries: Not a cranberry fan? Substitute with cherries or pomegranate seeds for a slightly different flavor profile.
Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free beef broth; the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Add a Spice Kick: Toss in a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

Dutch Oven: For searing and braising the short ribs.
Knife: To chop your veggies finely.
Cutting Board: An essential for prepping.
Tongs: To easily flip the short ribs during searing.

The Simple Steps to Make Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs

This recipe’s step-by-step process is as enjoyable as eating it. From sizzling sears to slow braises, follow along!

Season the Short Ribs 🧂

Start by generously seasoning the short ribs on all sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t hold back! This adds the first layer of flavor.

A Sear to Remember 🔥

Heat vegetable oil in your trusty Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned ribs into the hot pot and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust that’ll lock in all the juices. Once done, set the ribs aside.

Build the Braising Sauce 🍷

Keeping all those browned bits in the pot (hello, extra flavor!), sauté your onions and carrots until tender and fragrant. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for just a minute to enhance the depth of your sauce.

Now comes the star ingredient, red wine! Pour it in, scraping up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in beef broth, cranberries, and brown sugar, and then toss in fresh rosemary and thyme for aromatic magic.

Time to Braise 🍲

Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the delectable sauce. Cover everything and pop it into a preheated oven at 325°F. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking periodically to see if the meat is irresistibly fork-tender.

Finish and Serve 🌿

When ready, plate the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or even risotto. Spoon a generous amount of sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for that professional finish.

Pro Tips for Success

Keep these handy tips in mind to ensure your short ribs turn out perfectly every time.

Room-Temperature Meat: Take the ribs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. It helps with even searing.
Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the meat is non-negotiable. It locks in flavor and sets the tone for the dish.
Balance Sweetness: If your cranberries feel too tart, a touch more brown sugar can balance the flavors beautifully.

Serve It Like a Pro

To truly wow your diners, consider these serving ideas.

Plate Presentation: Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the short ribs surrounded by the luscious sauce.
Add a Pop of Green: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the top. It adds freshness!
Pair with Wine: Serve with the same wine you cooked with for a harmonious pairing.

Key Nutritional Information

Here’s an idea of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this dish!

Calories: ~400
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fat: ~28g

Plan Ahead and Store

If you’re preparing this recipe in advance, here are some storage tips to make sure every bite is just as good as the first day.

Refrigeration Tips

Once cooled, transfer your short ribs and sauce into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop to maintain the best texture.

Freeze for Later

Need to save some for a rainy day? These ribs freeze beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now that you’ve got everything you need to craft this mouthwatering dish, it’s time to head to your kitchen and give it a whirl. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and might just become your go-to special occasion recipe. Enjoy every single bite!

Watch this video to see how it’s done: