These French Style Braised Short Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavor. Cooked low and slow, they melt in your mouth and are great with mashed potatoes or crusty bread!
Let’s face it, short ribs are the ultimate comfort food! I love how easy they are to prepare—just let the oven do the work while you relax. Plus, the smell in your kitchen will wow everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Bone-in short ribs are ideal for flavor and tenderness. If they’re not available, you can use boneless short ribs, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Red Wine: Burgundy or Pinot Noir elevates the dish, but you can use any dry red wine you have on hand. For a non-alcoholic option, grape juice or beef broth works, but the flavor will be different.
Vegetables: Carrots and mushrooms add depth. You can swap in parsnips or turnips for carrots, and any type of mushroom will work well if you prefer a different variety.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme enhance the taste, but if you don’t have them, use a pinch of dried herbs instead. Aim for about half the amount, as dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Make Sure My Short Ribs Are Tender and Juicy?
The secret to tender short ribs lies in the slow cooking process. Braising helps break down the tough connective tissues and infuses flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- Browning: Sear the short ribs well. This adds a deep flavor to the dish. Don’t rush this step—let them develop a nice crust.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking at 325°F for 2.5 to 3 hours allows the meat to become tender. Keep the lid on to trap moisture.
- Checking for Doneness: The short ribs should be fork-tender when done. If they’re not, give them a little more time.
- Resting: Let the ribs rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more flavorful bite.
Take your time with this recipe; it pays off with delicious results!
French Style Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir preferred)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes of preparation and 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking in the oven for maximum tenderness. The slow braising allows the flavors to combine beautifully, making it a perfect meal for a cozy gathering or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C), which is the perfect temperature for slow cooking your short ribs.
2. Season the Ribs:
Generously season the short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
3. Brown the Short Ribs:
In a large, heavy oven-proof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Once browned, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onion and carrot chunks to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and softened. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they are lightly browned, which should take another 5 minutes.
5. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish!
6. Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour in the red wine, scrapping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate those flavors. Bring this mixture to a simmer and reduce the wine by about half, which will take about 10 minutes.
7. Add the Ribs and Broth:
Return the browned short ribs to the pot and pour in enough beef broth to nearly cover the meat. This is where the braising magic happens!
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Add the sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. These herbs will infuse the dish with delightful flavors.
9. Braising Time:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the short ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
10. Remove and Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs and vegetables to a serving dish and cover them to keep warm while you make the sauce.
11. Optional Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, place the pot over medium heat on the stove. Mix the flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
12. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the unsalted butter for richness and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
13. Serving Time:
Pour the sauce and vegetables over the short ribs and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprig of rosemary. Serve this delicious dish over creamy mashed potatoes or velvety polenta for a classic French finish.
Enjoy your rich, melt-in-your-mouth French Style Braised Short Ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket if short ribs are unavailable. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since some cuts may require longer braising to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the braising step, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven until warmed through!
What Can I Serve With Braised Short Ribs?
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad are great light accompaniments, too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the braised short ribs for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing!
