Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these fork-tender Opera Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth, while the rich, velvety sauce will have you craving more.
Ingredients
– 3 pounds beef short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups full-bodied red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared ribs to a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, and add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Return the seared short ribs to the pot and cover with a lid. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
9. Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the short ribs to a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary sprigs.
10. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serve the braised short ribs with the flavorful sauce, and your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Notes
For best results, marinate the short ribs in the red wine for 2-3 hours (or up to 24 hours) before cooking. This helps tenderize the meat and intensify the flavors. You can also make this dish a day in advance, as the flavors will continue to develop overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Beef, Fish & Seafood Mains
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American