Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme

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

Beef short ribs braised on the stovetop with garlic, fresh thyme, and a savory broth for a rich, tender dish. This french-inspired beef ready in about 165 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 630 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 French cuisine 630 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3.5 pounds beef short ribs with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper evenly on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs in batches for 4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Transfer ribs to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced yellow onion and 6 smashed garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups beef broth, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves, then return the ribs to the pot, submerging as much as possible.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Braise gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the ribs are very tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
  7. Step 7: Remove ribs and strain liquid if desired. Serve ribs topped with the braising sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 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 Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme 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 Stovetop Braised Short Ribs with Garlic and Thyme?

French 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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