Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter

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

Tender beef ribs braised in a rich garlic-infused broth, finished with a glossy butter sauce that melts into every bite. This american-inspired beef ready in about 195 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, tablespoon olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat 2 pounds beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return seared ribs to the pot, submerging them in liquid. Cover with lid and bake for 3 hours until fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Skim excess fat from sauce surface, then stir in 2 tablespoons butter until melted and incorporated.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Butter?

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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