This post was originally published in March of 2020 but has been updated with additional tips and tricks.
Imagine savoring a forkful of succulent, fall-apart ribs resting atop a fluffy layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. This recipe not only impresses but is also simple enough for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Short Rib Recipe
- Flavorful and Tender: These ribs are infused with rich beer flavors and are tantalizingly tender.
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: A perfect bed of creamy cheddar mashed potatoes enhances the dish.
- Restaurant-Quality Meal: Enjoy a gourmet experience right at home, with minimal hands-on time required.
Ingredient Overview
- Beef Short Ribs: Select ribs with good marbling and at least 1.5 inches of meat on top.
- Beef Broth: Any variety will work for added richness.
- Beer: Choose a dark stout like Guinness for a deep flavor.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes make the best mashed potatoes.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated white cheddar for a creamy texture.
- Butter: Salted butter is preferable for enhanced flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free beer to maintain a gluten-free dish.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cheese for the mashed potatoes.
How to Make this Braised Short Rib Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs & Sauté the Vegetables
Season the short ribs with kosher salt and black pepper, then brown them on all sides in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While setting them aside, add sliced onions, carrots, and garlic to sauté and develop flavor.
Step 2: Finish Cooking the Short Ribs
Add the ribs back to the pot, followed by beer and beef broth. Cook them low and slow in the oven at 325°F for 1 hour and 45 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 275°F for an additional 45 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Remove the ribs and cover them with foil. Skim excess fat off the braising liquid, then blend the vegetables and liquid until smooth. Return it to the pot, bring to a boil, and let simmer for 30 minutes to thicken.
How to Make Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Prepare Herbed Butter
Peel and boil Yukon Gold potatoes until tender. Simultaneously, melt salted butter with a smashed clove of garlic and fresh herbs in a saucepan.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Once the potatoes are ready, mash them and mix in the herbed butter, milk, sour cream, and finally stir in the white cheddar cheese.
Serving and Storing
Plate the ribs atop the cheddar mashed potatoes and drizzle with sauce. Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. This recipe is perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.
Expert Tips for Success
- Select Quality Ribs: Refer to earlier tips for selecting the best short ribs.
- Browning Is Essential: Don’t skip browning the ribs as it enhances the flavor significantly.
- Extra Creaminess: Reserve a little cooking water to mix into your mashed potatoes for a creamier texture.
Recipe Variations
- Adjust Mashed Potatoes: Feel free to customize the amount of milk and sour cream for your preferred consistency.
- Try Creamy Polenta: If you prefer, serve the ribs over creamy polenta instead.
FAQs
Why didn’t my meat turn out fall apart tender?
In most cases, this happens because the meat hasn’t cooked long enough. Try adding 10-15 minutes at a time until it is fall-apart tender.
Can I make these short ribs in a pressure cooker?
While it’s theoretically possible, this method has not been extensively tested. Slow cooking at low temperatures typically yields the best results.