Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs

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

Tender beef short ribs simmered in a rich bourbon and tomato sauce until fork-tender, embodying Kentucky's culinary heritage. This american-inspired beef ready in about 175 minutes pairs Beef short ribs, All-purpose flour, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the Dutch oven. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add 1/2 cup bourbon and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates.
  5. Step 5: Return ribs to the Dutch oven, add 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F. Braise for 2.5 hours until ribs are fork-tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs?

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 Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs?

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 Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Bourbon-Braised Beef Short Ribs?

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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