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Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked in Cola with Creamy Parmesan Risotto

A comforting dish featuring tender beef short ribs simmered in cola broth, paired with creamy Parmesan risotto, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, Hearty Meal, Risotto, Short Ribs, slow-cooked
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal

Ingredients

For the Short Ribs

  • 2 lb beef short ribs Incredibly succulent and packed with flavor.
  • 2 cans cola Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
  • 2 cups beef stock For extra depth of flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced Essential for building base flavors.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor with savory notes.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste Essential seasonings.
  • Oil, for searing Recommended for achieving a beautiful crust.

For the Risotto

  • 1 cup arborio rice Essential for creamy risotto.
  • 4 cups warm chicken stock Adds flavor to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • 2 tbsp butter For richness in the risotto.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned and caramelized, then remove them from the pot.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Return the seared short ribs to the pot. Pour in the cola and beef stock, stirring gently.

Cooking

  • Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for about 3 hours, or until the ribs become fork-tender.

Preparing the Risotto

  • While the ribs are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the arborio rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
  • Begin adding warm chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes.
  • Once creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving

  • To serve, scoop risotto onto a plate, place the short ribs on top, and drizzle with some braising liquid.

Notes

Browning the meat adds depth, and for variations, consider using lamb shanks or different cheeses in the risotto.