Bourbon-Infused Authentic Beef Short Ribs
Slow-simmered short ribs with a rich, layered sauce that mirrors the complexity of authentic vintage Martin guitars. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 210 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (bone-in, cut into 2-inch pieces) beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 large, finely diced onion
- 2 medium, finely diced carrot
- 2 stalks, finely diced celery
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat short ribs dry, then season generously with 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sear ribs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup bourbon, scraping up browned bits, then add 2 cups beef broth and return ribs to the pot.
- Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 3 hours until meat is fork-tender and falls off the bone.
- Step 6: Remove ribs, strain the sauce, and reduce over medium heat for 15 minutes until thickened enough to coat a spoon, then pour over ribs before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Infused Authentic Beef Short Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (30 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 Bourbon-Infused Authentic 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Infused Authentic 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-Infused Authentic Beef Short Ribs 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 Bourbon-Infused Authentic Beef Short Ribs?
American slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 180-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
