Beer Braised Short Ribs – Dutch Oven (2024)

Published: Jan 28, 2021 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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ThisBeer Braised Short Ribs recipe for your Dutch Oven willtransform beef short ribs into the most tender, succulent, and richly flavoredfeast you could ever imagine. The depth of flavor is unbelievable.

There are two things I love about these short ribs. First of all, the flavor is absolutely astounding. Seriously. Giant hunks of beer saturated meat clinging loosely to protruding bones, this meal is satisfyingly primal. Second of all, my recipe only calls for 1 ½ cans of beer. Spoils for the cook!

Beer Braised Short Ribs – Dutch Oven (1)

Why use a Dutch Oven

Sometimes a slow cooker doesn't cut it. Sometimes you need a Dutch oven. If you are going to make these beer braised short ribs, a dutch oven is the best way to build deep layers of flavor that permeate every bite!

How does cooking these Beer Braised Short Ribs in a dutch oven build flavor? Let me explain.

When you use a slow cooker, you are typically dumping all of the ingredients in at the same time and letting it do its thing. It is simpler, and hassle-free, but it isn't the way to maximize flavor. By using a dutch oven you have more control over the heat, and therefore the cooking process as a whole. The dutch oven can be set over a hot stove top burner to sear a crisp brown crust on the beef, and then tossed in the oven to slowly braise as richer flavors develop.

Brown food tastes better. Why else do we sear meat and saute vegetables?

Ingredients Needed

Beef short ribs - These should be cut 2-3" wide.
Yellow onion - Sweet onions work well too.
Garlic - You can substitute garlic powder, but using cloves is best.
Carrots
Celery
Beef stock - Homemade or store-bought works fine.
Stout Beer - I used Guinness personally.
Tomato Paste
Brown Sugar
Thyme - Fresh thyme is always best.
Bay leaf

How to Make It

Begin building layers of flavor by browning the short ribs on all sides in a Dutch oven set over medium high heat. Then set them aside and saute the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Once all of the vegetables have been sauteed, the tomato paste and brown sugar can be added. This is cooked just enough to wake up the flavors, then your beef stock is added to deglaze the pot.

Add all of the ingredients to the pot, then cover, and place in a 375 degree oven for two and a half hours. The meat should be perfectly tender now. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.

How to serve it

This is best served over or alongside a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. However, if you want something a little less traditional, my steakhouse mashed potatoes and French onion mashed potatoes would both be excellent alternatives.

Beer Braised Short Ribs – Dutch Oven (2)

FAQs

Can braised short ribs be made in advance?

Yes! These beer braised short ribs are a great recipe to make a day prior because the flavors will continue to meld in your refrigerator overnight. Just bring them back to temperature prior to serving by placing in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Why did my short ribs come out tough?

They need to be cooked longer so the tough meat can break down. The key to cooking short ribs is going low and slow. High temperatures will cook it fast, but it will not have enough time to be tender.

Can you overcook braised short ribs?

If the short ribs are cooked too long they will get too tender and fall apart. They will still taste great, but the texture of the meat will suffer. The meat is best when it still gently clings to the bone.

More Rib Recipes

Smoked Beef Short Ribs
How to Make BBQ Ribs in the Oven
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
How to Cook Ribs on a Charcoal Grill