Description
Guinness Braised Short Ribs are tender, flavorful beef ribs slow-cooked in rich Guinness stout and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The ribs are seared to develop a deep crust, then braised with vegetables, tomato paste, and a smoky hint of liquid smoke until they fall off the bone. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Beef and Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 pound beef short ribs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic
Liquids and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 440 ml Guinness stout (1 can)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (Mesquite)
Herbs and Garnish
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to prepare for braising the short ribs.
- Dredge Ribs: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Coat all sides of the short ribs evenly with the flour mixture.
- Sear Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the ribs without overcrowding and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and repeat with the remaining ribs, then set all aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the Guinness stout and beef broth. Add liquid smoke, rosemary, and thyme. Bring to a boil and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Braise Ribs: Return the short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours, until the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes but also works well over pasta, polenta, or served alone.
- You can substitute chuck or brisket for the short ribs, just ensure similar sizing for even cooking.
- Guinness stout contributes a distinctive deep flavor; other dark beers can be used but will alter the taste slightly.
- Feel free to add more root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to enhance flavor complexity.
- Cooking time may vary based on rib size; the goal is tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- If liquid smoke is unavailable, you can omit it, though it adds a subtle smoky depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg