Tender Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Tender Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is the definition of comfort food—rich, warming, and deeply aromatic. Slow-braised beef short ribs become incredibly soft, falling off the bone with the slightest touch, as they simmer in a savory blend of broth, vegetables, and herbs. Paired with silky garlic mashed potatoes, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy, satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture every single time. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide covering ingredients, step-by-step preparation, frequently asked questions, and a concluding summary to help you perfect this comforting classic.

Ingredients

For the Braised Short Ribs

4 lbs beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine or grape juice (for a non-alcoholic version)
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt to taste

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. This step adds deep flavor to the final dish.
Remove the ribs and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes to caramelize it.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the red wine (or grape juice) and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the beef broth, thyme, and rosemary.
Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged.

Step 4: Slow-Braise the Ribs

Cover the pot with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, or until the ribs are extremely tender and falling off the bone.
Alternatively, you can cook it in a 325°F (160°C) oven for the same duration.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
Place them in a pot with whole garlic cloves and cover with water.
Boil until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the short ribs from the cooking liquid.
(Optional) Simmer the liquid for 10 minutes to thicken into a rich gravy.
Serve the tender short ribs over a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes, with extra sauce spooned on top.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—after searing the ribs and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours.

Can I make this alcohol-free?

Absolutely. Substitute red wine with grape juice or extra beef broth.

What other herbs can I use?

Bay leaves, sage, and parsley stems work well with braised dishes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, braised dishes taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

What if I want thicker sauce?

Remove the ribs and reduce the liquid on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

Tender Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, richly flavored dish perfect for a family dinner or special gathering. With fall-apart tender beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy garlic mash, each bite brings warmth and satisfaction. The slow braising process ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort, making this recipe a dependable favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.