Whiskey-Infused Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

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

Tender short ribs braised slowly in a rich whiskey sauce with sweet caramelized onions, perfect for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 215 minutes pairs pounds 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 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: 195 min Serves 6 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 pounds beef short ribs with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the ribs on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions to the pot, cooking for 10 minutes until softened and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Carefully pour in 1 cup whiskey to deglaze, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cups beef broth, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Return short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise in a preheated 325°F oven for 3 hours until meat is fork-tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Infused Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions 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 Whiskey-Infused Braised 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-Infused Braised 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-Infused Braised 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-Infused Braised 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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