Name: Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3-4 pounds bone-in short ribs (8-10 pieces); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 large diced onion; 2 diced celery stalks; 2 diced carrots; 3 cloves crushed garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato concentrate; 2 cups cabernet sauvignon wine; 3 cups beef stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 sprig of thyme; 1 sprig of oregano

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that is deeply satisfying, hearty, and packed with rich, savory notes, these Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven are about to become your new favorite. This dish is all about slow braising until the beef is fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sauce so luscious you’ll want to mop up every last drop. Deep flavors develop from a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, aromatic herbs, and the classic trio of onions, carrots, and celery. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner, these beef short ribs are pure comfort food magic.

Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how simple yet powerful each ingredient is. Each one is selected for its role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture, creating that unrivaled complexity that makes Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven an absolute showstopper.

Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to help develop that gorgeous brown crust on your short ribs.
Bone-in short ribs: The bones and marbling bring unbeatable flavor and rich texture to the finished dish.
Salt and pepper: These basics are essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
Onion: Adds sweetness, body, and depth to the sauce as it slowly cooks down.
Celery stalks: Offers subtle herbal notes and rounds out the classic mirepoix base.
Carrots: Brings a touch of sweetness and beautiful color to the braise.
Garlic cloves: Adds an aromatic punch that permeates the entire dish.
Tomato concentrate: Intensifies the sauce with its deep, umami richness.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine: The wine reduces to a luxurious sauce, adding complexity and depth.
Beef stock: Enriches and amplifies the beefy essence in every bite.
Bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, earthy aroma that’s classic in long-cooked dishes.
Thyme sprig: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
Oregano sprig: Adds a slightly peppery, Mediterranean note that pairs beautifully with braised meats.

How to Make Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the Dutch oven is ready to envelop the short ribs in gentle, consistent heat. Rinse the beef short ribs and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this step is the secret to getting that irresistible sear. Season the ribs all over with salt and pepper, using a generous hand, as this forms the foundation of flavor for your entire dish.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in your trusty 6-quart Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, brown the short ribs on all sides for about 5-6 minutes per batch. Don’t rush—this step is crucial! That golden, caramelized crust is what gives these Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven their signature depth. Transfer the seared beef to a plate once browned and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

With the Dutch oven still hot and filled with those tasty browned bits, add your diced onion. Cook for roughly 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, eagerly soaking up all the meaty drippings. Next, toss in your diced celery and carrots, letting them cook for another 3-5 minutes until they’ve softened and released their sweet, aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Reduce the Wine

Stir in the garlic and tomato concentrate, letting everything cook for a few more minutes until the tomato paste darkens. This intensifies its flavor and brings out deeper umami notes. Now, pour in the Cabernet Sauvignon, scraping the bottom to deglaze and pull up those rich, fond bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the wine is reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Add the beef stock, stirring to combine. Carefully return the browned short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid and veggies. Tuck in the bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, and slip it into your preheated oven. Now you simply let time do its thing, braising the ribs to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Step 6: Cook and Finalize the Sauce

Let the ribs braise in the oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours. What emerges is the very definition of Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven: meat that’s fork-tender and infused with every ounce of that aromatic liquid. Remove the ribs, cover with foil, and set aside. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the spent vegetables. Return the silky liquid to the Dutch oven and simmer on the stove until thickened to your liking—this is the moment your sauce goes from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven

Garnishes

Freshness and color bring the dish to life! Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for an herbal lift. A pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a little crunch and a finishing burst of flavor. For an extra flourish, a touch of lemon zest over the top balances the richness.

Side Dishes

These Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven are pure bliss served over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes or a pool of buttery polenta. In a pinch, even simple crusty bread is perfect for sopping up that sauce. Roasted root vegetables or garlicky green beans lighten up the meal and add color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve each short rib atop a swirl of mashed potatoes on shallow plates, spooning the glossy sauce over the top and garnishing with microgreens. For a rustic family-style meal, pile the ribs and plenty of sauce into a large serving bowl, letting everyone help themselves—don’t forget extra bowls for the sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the short ribs cool to room temperature, then transfer them and their sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and some say this dish is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven freeze beautifully. Portion the ribs and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the ribs and sauce back in a Dutch oven or saucepan and warm gently over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but go low and slow so the meat stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless short ribs, but keep in mind the bones add extra flavor and help the meat stay juicy during braising. If using boneless, check for doneness a little earlier as they may cook faster.

What can I use instead of Cabernet Sauvignon?

A dry red wine like Merlot, Malbec, or Syrah works beautifully if you don’t have Cabernet Sauvignon on hand. Just make sure it’s a wine you’d enjoy drinking to ensure the best flavor in your sauce.

How do I make Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven without alcohol?

You can substitute the wine with more beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar or red grape juice to give a little acidity and sweetness to the sauce—no wine needed, but still packed with flavor!

Do I have to strain the sauce?

Straining gives you that silky, restaurant-quality sauce, but if you enjoy a chunkier texture with pieces of vegetables, feel free to skip this step. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy.

Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms or parsnips would make a delightful addition. Just add them with the carrots and celery, and let their earthy sweetness meld with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about gathering friends or family around the table for Flavorful Beef Short Ribs in Dutch Oven—each forkful is comfort, joy, and pure satisfaction. Once you try this method, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for cozy nights or special occasions. Give it a try and savor every bite—you deserve it!