Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs slow-braised in a hearty ale broth with aromatic root vegetables for a comforting meal. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, pairs beef short ribs, amber ale beer, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 3 lbs beef short ribs all over with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove ribs and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups amber ale beer and 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
  6. Step 6: Return short ribs to the pot along with 4 sprigs fresh thyme and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
  8. Step 8: Remove ribs and strain the sauce if desired. Serve ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta with the braising liquid spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef short ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ale-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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