Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Short Ribs

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

Tender beef short ribs slow-braised in a robust bitter ale with aromatic herbs, creating a complex, hearty main dish. This american-inspired beef ready in about 215 minutes pairs beef short ribs, salt, black pepper 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: 195 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 (160°C). Season 3 lbs beef short ribs evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer ribs to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 4 smashed garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 12 oz bitter ale beer and scrape browned bits from the bottom. Add 2 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Return ribs to the pot, cover tightly, and braise in the oven for 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 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 Hop-Infused Bitter Ale 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 Hop-Infused Bitter Ale 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 Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised 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 Hop-Infused Bitter Ale 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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