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Braised Beef Short Ribs

A rich and comforting dish featuring tender beef short ribs simmered in a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Braised Beef Short Ribs, comfort food, Family Dinner, Savory Dish, Tender Beef
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs Rich pieces with marbled meat that provide tenderness and flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or butter Adds a creamy depth and enhances the dish’s warmth.
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar Provides tangy sweetness, balancing the hearty beef.
  • 1 large onion, sliced Sweetness from the onion transforms during cooking, adding layers of flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose or gluten-free flour Used to thicken the sauce, creating a luxurious texture.
  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce) Adds umami to the dish while being a great alternative.
  • 2 cups beef broth or bone broth Forms the base of the sauce, enriching the dish’s overall flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste Contributes a rich, tangy dimension to the cooking liquid.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Releases a robust aroma alongside the beef during cooking.
  • 1 bundle fresh thyme Infuses the dish with fresh herbal notes, ideal for savory dishes.
  • 1 leaf bay leaf Provides an aromatic subtlety, enhancing the flavor complexity.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Seasoning that ensures each element shines through.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
  • In a heavy pot, heat ghee or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the ribs, searing them on all sides until beautifully browned (approximately 12-15 minutes).
  • Transfer the browned ribs to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Cooking

  • Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and flour, mixing until smooth. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, forming a cohesive sauce.
  • Return the short ribs to the pot, placing them into the sauce. Add the bundle of thyme and the bay leaf, then cover the pot.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours.

Serving

  • Once cooked, remove the thyme and bay leaf. Serve the ribs with the sauce ladled over them.

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the marinade or tossing in diced carrots or celery during the sauté step. For a spicy kick, crushed red pepper flakes can be added. Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven for best results.