Dutch Oven Short Ribs Recipe

dutch oven short ribs recipe: red wine-braised beef

(A Dutch Oven Masterpiece.)

Gourmet Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs: A Rich & Tender Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients.

  • 3-4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make This.

  1. Prepare and Sear Ribs: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the seared ribs and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine and Braise: Return the seared short ribs to the Dutch oven, nestling them into the sauce. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Ensure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid.
  5. Oven Braise: Transfer the covered Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your ribs.
  6. Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Remove the short ribs and set aside. Skim any excess fat from the sauce. Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves. If desired, thicken the sauce further by simmering it on the stovetop over medium heat until reduced to your preferred consistency. Shred the meat from the bones if preferred. Serve the short ribs with the rich red wine sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips.

  • Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the short ribs is crucial for developing a deep, complex flavor profile that forms the foundation of this dish.
  • Quality Wine: Use a dry red wine that you would enjoy drinking, as its flavor will concentrate significantly during the braising process.
  • Resting Time: Allowing the short ribs to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the sauce can help them retain their juices and tenderness.

Why Make This?

Braised short ribs are a classic comfort food, and preparing them in a Dutch oven allows for superior heat distribution and moisture retention, resulting in exceptionally tender meat and a deeply flavorful sauce. This method creates a restaurant-quality dish with relatively little hands-on time, making it perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a luxurious meal on a cold evening. The rich aroma filling your kitchen alone is worth the effort.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

  1. These exquisite red wine braised short ribs are best served over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or a rich mushroom risotto, which will beautifully absorb the savory sauce.

  2.  A side of roasted root vegetables or blanched green beans would complement the dish perfectly.

  3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

More Recipes.

creamy peanut miso udon: creamy udon noodles

Miso Udon Recipe.

butter chicken curry bowl

Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Nourish yourself, body and soul.

Our Wellness Planner ($12) tracks your habits, sleep, energy, and water intake so your well-being gets the same love as your cooking.

Get the Starter Kit — $12 →

→ Bundle: The Nourished Life Bundle

You Might Also Like.

  1. This apple cinnamon loaf pairs beautifully with a warm drink, and if you’re still building out your home café, our Home Café Setup guide is the perfect place to start.
  2. These buttermilk biscuits are even better when you have the right tools our Kitchen Gadgets That Save Time guide covers everything you need for effortless baking and cooking.

“Serious Eats breaks down the science behind getting every recipe absolutely right.”