If you have been searching for a dish that feels like a warm, tender hug after a long day, this Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Rich, succulent beef short ribs slowly cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection in a luscious red wine sauce create a flavor symphony that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. This recipe celebrates the magic of slow cooking combined with a heavenly blend of simple, hearty ingredients that come together to make an unforgettable meal.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, soft and slightly textured with small lumps, off-white in color. On top of the mashed potatoes is a thick, chunky red sauce with visible pieces of red bell pepper and dark brown sliced mushrooms scattered throughout. The top layer is a large piece of dark brown slow-cooked meat, richly glazed with sauce, appearing moist and tender. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the meat and sauce for color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface, and some parsley stems lie in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe plays a crucial role, from building deep flavor layers to enhancing texture and color. These straightforward components come together effortlessly, delivering a dish that tastes far more complex than the simple list might suggest.

Beef Short Ribs (4 pounds): Choose meaty ribs with a good fat marbling for tender, juicy results after braising.
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural beef flavor.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the meat to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness when sautéing the vegetables.
Onion (1 whole, chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base to build the sauce.
Carrots (3-4 whole, peeled and sliced on bias): Contributes subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic Cloves (6 whole, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that warms the whole dish.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce with umami and a slight tang.
Diced Tomatoes (14.5 ounces can): Brings body and brightness to the braising liquid.
Red Wine (1 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the ribs with depth and complexity.
Beef Stock (2 cups): Ensures a rich, savory foundation for the sauce.
Bay Leaves (2 whole): Impart a subtle herbal note to balance the richness.
Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Add earthiness and textural contrast.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) and Cold Water (2 tablespoons): Used to create a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce perfectly.
Parsley (chopped): Freshens the dish with a pop of color and brightness when garnished.

How to Make Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This seasoning is simple but vital, as it builds the crust that locks in juices. Sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a deep brown caramelization, about 2 minutes per side. Once beautifully browned, remove them to a plate to rest while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables to Create a Flavorful Base

Reduce the heat to medium and pour out the excess oil from the pot. Add butter followed by chopped onions and sliced carrots. Sauté the veggies for around 3 to 5 minutes until they soften and begin releasing their natural sweetness. Then add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant and richly colored. This step lays down a rich, aromatic foundation for the braising liquid.

Step 3: Build the Braising Liquid with Tomatoes and Wine

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine everything. Next, add the red wine carefully while scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — these bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your sauce beautifully. The wine not only adds complexity but also tenderizes the meat throughout the long cooking process.

Step 4: Add Stock and Bay Leaves, Then Simmer the Ribs

Pour in the beef stock and toss in the bay leaves to infuse their subtle herbal fragrance. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Then nestle the short ribs back into the pot, submerging them in the aromatic liquid. Cover and maintain a consistent low simmer for 3 hours. During this slow cooking, the collagen in the ribs breaks down, rendering a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that defines this recipe.

Step 5: Keep It Simmering Gently

Every stove is different, so adjust your heat to maintain a gentle, continuous simmer — not boiling. This steady temperature lets the ribs braise slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly without drying out the meat.

Step 6: Finish With Sautéed Mushrooms for Earthy Goodness

Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them to a serving platter. Remove and discard the bay leaves from the sauce. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the sliced baby bella mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they’re browned and tender. These mushrooms add a lovely earthy note and satisfyingly meaty texture atop the rich ribs.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce and Plate Your Masterpiece

Mix the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved, then whisk this slurry into the bubbling sauce to thicken it. This brings a luscious, velvety finish that clings beautifully to every bite. Turn off the heat, spoon the sauce generously over the short ribs, and prepare for the grand finale.

Step 8: Serve With a Touch of Freshness and Comfort

Present your Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh hint of color and brightness that cuts through the rich flavors. Now it’s time to dive in and enjoy every bite of your comforting, soul-satisfying creation.

How to Serve Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the perfect garnish to brighten this hearty dish, giving it a lively pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions to add texture and freshness.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a classic match for the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe, offering a creamy base that soaks up the rich sauce. Roasted root vegetables or creamy polenta also pair wonderfully. For a lighter contrast, serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into an elegant dinner party centerpiece by plating individual ribs stacked on mashed potatoes with mushroom sauce drizzled artfully around. Serve family-style in a rustic casserole dish surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a warm, inviting presentation. You can also shred the leftover meat for sandwiches or tacos the next day for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Red Wine Braised Short Ribs should be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Keep the sauce and ribs together to ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place fully cooled ribs and sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly without drying the meat. Adding a splash of beef stock or wine can bring back the steak’s luscious richness. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While short ribs are ideal due to their marbling and texture, you can substitute beef chuck roast if necessary. Keep in mind that the cooking time and tenderness may vary with different cuts.

What type of red wine is best for braising?

Choose a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines provide deep flavor without overpowering the dish. Avoid sweet or fruity wines, as they can alter the balance of flavors.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing and sautéing the ingredients on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method yields equally tender ribs and rich sauce.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are perfectly cooked when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone with a fork. The braising process should take roughly 3 hours at a gentle simmer.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Alternatives like creamy polenta, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted cauliflower mash work beautifully to soak up the sauce and complement the rich ribs.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comforting, luscious taste of this Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving hearty, deeply satisfying flavors, these ribs deliver every time. I encourage you to dive into this recipe now — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you with every tender, saucy bite.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe