Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This recipe creates tender, fall-apart beef short ribs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich gravy. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these short ribs will impress everyone with their deep flavors and succulent texture. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish stands out not just for its taste but also for its ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth tenderness: The slow cooking process ensures that the short ribs become incredibly tender, making each bite a heavenly experience.
• Rich and robust flavor: The combination of red wine and herbs infuses the meat with deep, savory flavors that are hard to resist.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned cooks.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish serves a crowd, making it an ideal choice for family meals or dinner parties.
• Versatile serving options: Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6 Qt Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• 6 Qt Dutch oven: This pot is perfect for browning meat and slow cooking. Its heavy base helps distribute heat evenly.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife allows for quick and safe chopping of vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots.

Ingredients

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs is the best recipe for tender fall apart bone-in beef short ribs slow cooked with gravy in a Dutch Oven. This is a perfect comfort meal you can make at home for your friends and family!

For the Short Ribs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 pounds bone-in short ribs (8-10 pieces)
• Salt (pepper to taste)

For the Veggies

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 sprig oregano

How to Make Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To start, let’s preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

1. Rinse and pat dry the meat.
2. Generously season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 6 Qt Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meat in two batches for 5-6 minutes on each side.
3. Transfer browned meat to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add 1 diced onion to the pot.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until translucent and softened.
3. Add 2 stalks diced celery and 2 diced carrots; cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

1. Add 3 cloves smashed garlic and 2 tbsp tomato paste.
2. Cook for a few more minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Deglaze with Wine

1. Stir in 2 cups wine.
2. Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium; simmer until it reduces by half (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 7: Incorporate Broth

Add 3 cups beef broth into the pot and stir well.

Step 8: Combine Meat with Sauce

Transfer the meat back into the pot along with bay leaves, thyme, and oregano.

Step 9: Bake

Cover with lid and transfer to preheated oven. Cook for approximately 2½ to 3 hours or until ribs are tender.

Step 10: Rest the Meat

Once done, transfer meat to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 11: Strain Sauce

Strain sauce through a fine mesh sieve; discard solids.

Step 12: Thicken Sauce

Pour liquid back into pot; simmer until it thickens slightly before serving over ribs.

Enjoy your homemade Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven!

How to Serve Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Serving Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. These tender ribs pair wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, enhancing their rich flavors.

With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious gravy, making each bite heavenly.

Over Egg Noodles

• Serve the short ribs over egg noodles for a hearty meal that balances the richness of the meat.

With Fresh Bread

• A crusty loaf or dinner rolls is perfect for sopping up the savory sauce.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and a healthy crunch to your plate.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of freshness that complements the dish.

How to Perfect Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

To achieve the best results with Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven, consider these helpful tips. Each will enhance flavor and texture, ensuring a satisfying meal.

• Choose quality beef: Select well-marbled short ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Sear for flavor: Browning the meat before braising develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the dish.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allow the wine to reduce properly; this step intensifies its flavor before adding broth.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano provide vibrant flavors that dried herbs often lack.
• Rest before serving: Letting the ribs rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
• Thicken sauce slowly: Simmering the sauce gradually helps achieve a velvety consistency without burning.

Best Side Dishes for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Pairing side dishes with your Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven can enhance this comforting meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Rich and creamy, these potatoes are perfect for soaking up savory gravy.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy on the outside and tender within, they add a delightful contrast to the dish.
3. Buttered Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn provides a nice balance of sweetness against the robust flavors of short ribs.
4. Creamed Spinach – This rich side adds creaminess while complementing the beef’s bold flavors beautifully.
5. Herbed Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs makes an excellent base for serving short ribs.
6. Grilled Asparagus – The slight char adds depth while keeping things light alongside hearty short ribs.
7. Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy slaw offers a nice textural contrast to tender meat.
8. Polenta – Creamy polenta enhances richness and provides a comforting base for braised short ribs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the short ribs can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to brown them well on all sides for rich, deep flavor.
• Skipping the seasoning: If you skip seasoning the meat with salt and pepper, your dish may lack depth. Generously season the ribs before browning for maximum taste.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking too quickly can toughen the meat. Maintain a steady medium heat for slow cooking that encourages tenderness.
• Ignoring resting time: Not allowing the ribs to rest after cooking can result in dry meat. Cover with foil and let them rest to retain moisture.
• Rushing the sauce reduction: Skipping or hurrying through the sauce reduction can lead to thin gravy. Allow enough time for it to thicken and develop flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

• Place cooled ribs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place ribs in a covered dish, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat in a saucepan until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven.

Can I use other types of wine?

Yes, while Cabernet Sauvignon is recommended, you can use other full-bodied red wines like Merlot or Zinfandel for different flavors.

How do I know when the short ribs are done?

Short ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. This usually takes about 2½ to 3 hours of cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it just before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight!

What side dishes pair well with short ribs?

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in Dutch Oven is not just a comforting dish; it’s versatile enough for family dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. Give this recipe a try and savor every tender bite!