Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs slow-braised in whiskey with sweet caramelized onions and a rich savory sauce. This american-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, whiskey, large, thinly sliced yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 3 pounds beef short ribs dry and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and brown on all sides for 8 minutes total until deep golden crust forms, then transfer ribs to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup whiskey to deglaze the pot, scraping up all browned bits, and cook for 3 minutes to burn off alcohol.
  6. Step 6: Return the short ribs to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover the pot and place in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the short ribs are fork-tender and the sauce is thickened.
  8. Step 8: Remove ribs and strain sauce if desired. Serve ribs topped with the rich onion and whiskey sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions?

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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions?

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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions 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 Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions?

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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