Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Tender short ribs slow-cooked in red wine and aromatic herbs, served atop creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a rich and hearty meal. This french-inspired valentine’s day ready in about 215 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, teaspoons kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium, chopped carrots
- 2, chopped celery stalks
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 pounds, peeled and quartered russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves minced garlic for potatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 3 pounds beef short ribs evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown short ribs on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups dry red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Return short ribs to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 6: While ribs cook, place 2 pounds peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Step 7: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 8: Serve short ribs over garlic mashed potatoes, spooning some braising liquid on top for extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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 Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
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 pounds beef short ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
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 Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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 Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
French valentine’s day 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for my mom and she said it was the best short ribs she's ever had.
- ★★★★★
Garlic mashed potatoes were divine. The short ribs melted in your mouth.
- ★★★★★
This was the perfect Valentine's dinner. My partner loved it!