Balsamic Braised Short Ribs

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate | Servings: 4

Description

These Balsamic Braised Short Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, infused with a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. Slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and herbs, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a complete meal.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) bone-in beef short ribs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

• ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Season the Short Ribs

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Short Ribs

• Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.

• Sear the short ribs in batches until deeply browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).

• Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & Braise

• Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well.

• Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.

5. Slow Cook in the Oven

• Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.

• Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.

6. Reduce the Sauce (Optional)

• Remove the short ribs and strain the liquid into a saucepan.

• Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes).

7. Serve

• Spoon the sauce over the short ribs and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 580 | Protein: 48g | Fat: 32g | Carbs: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make Ahead: Braised short ribs taste even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Slow Cooker Option: Sear ribs and sauté veggies, then transfer to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 7-8 hours.
✅ No Wine? Substitute with extra beef broth + 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.

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Final Thoughts

These Balsamic Braised Short Ribs are a restaurant-quality meal made at home. The tender meat, balanced sweetness, and deep umami flavors make this dish unforgettable. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekend dinner!