Braised Beef Short Ribs

I am so excited to share with you my delicious Braised Beef Short Rib with Red Wine Sauce, crispy pancetta, and mushrooms made with local @ontbeef!

Ontario is home to so many amazing local products, and I’m proud to support my community’s farmers and businesses. And let me tell you—Ontario beef is some of the best around! This dish brings together the richness of short ribs, the depth of red wine, and the savory notes of pancetta and mushrooms for a truly exceptional meal.

While this dish looks super gourmet, I’m going to show you just how easy it is to make. The taste and aroma while it cooks will have your guests absolutely swooning. It’s perfect for a cozy, indulgent dinner, but it’s also an amazing choice for fancy dinner parties since much of the prep can be done ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze.

So, without further ado, I present to you the best braised beef short rib recipe you’ll ever make. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Let’s get cooking!

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients for the Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce, Crispy Pancetta, and Mushrooms:

• Beef Short Ribs: Opt for high-quality, locally sourced beef, such as Ontario beef, for the best flavour and tenderness. Bone-in short ribs are ideal for braising as the marrow from the bones infuses the sauce with rich, deep flavour.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These basic seasonings are used to enhance the natural flavours of the beef and vegetables. Adjust to taste, but don’t skip these—salt is key to bringing out the depth of flavours in the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the beef short ribs, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in the juices and adds texture to the final dish.
• Sweet Onion: Onions provide a base of sweetness and savouriness to the braise. They also caramelize beautifully while cooking, adding richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic and savoury depth. Make sure to finely chop to infuse the sauce fully with its flavour.
• Celery: Celery adds a subtle earthiness and a fresh, slightly herbal note that balances the richness of the beef.
• Carrots: Carrots offer natural sweetness and colour to the dish. They also contribute to the depth of flavour in the sauce as they cook down.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is used to intensify the flavours and thicken the sauce. It’s an essential component that gives the braise a deeper, slightly tangy undertone.
• Dry Red Wine: A good-quality dry red wine, such as from a local winery like Vieni Estates, is used to deglaze the pan and create the base of the braising liquid. The acidity in the wine helps to tenderize the beef and balance the richness of the dish.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth provides a savoury, umami-rich liquid to braise the short ribs. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in the final dish.
• Rosemary & Thyme: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring an earthy, aromatic note to the dish. They’ll infuse the braising liquid with a lovely fragrance while the short ribs cook.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a rich, umami flavour to the sauce. Cremini mushrooms, with their deep flavour, are perfect for this braise.
• Optional Garnish: Crispy Pancetta & Chopped Parsley: For an added layer of flavour and texture, crispy pancetta provides a salty, crispy bite, while fresh parsley adds a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.

These ingredients come together to create a hearty, flavour-packed dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. The rich braising sauce, tender beef short ribs, and garnishes make this a truly indulgent meal!

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Crispy Pancetta, Mushrooms in a Red Wine Sauce

Rachelle Newbigging

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 beef short ribs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic chopped finely
• 2 celery ribs chopped
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups dry red wine from @vieniestates
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 5-6 cremini mushrooms chopped
• Garnish: 2-3 tbsp crispy pancetta & chopped parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Prep the Beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the beef short ribs. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over high heat. Brown the short ribs in the pot, making sure to get a crispy crust on the edges (approx. 7-8 minutes). Remove the beef and set it aside. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
• Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the red wine, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, and return the browned short ribs to the pot. Ensure that the meat is submerged in the liquid.
• Braise in the Oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
• Prepare the Sauce: Once the beef is done, carefully remove the ribs from the liquid, making sure the meat stays on the bone. Strain the liquid, pressing out all the juices from the vegetables and herbs. Return the sauce to the pot, and add the chopped mushrooms. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
• Crispy Pancetta: In a separate pan, cook the pancetta until crispy on medium to high heat. Do not burn. Set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess fat.
• Serve: Place the braised beef short ribs on a serving platter over mashed potatoes or your preferred side. Spoon the rich red wine sauce over the beef, then garnish with crispy pancetta and freshly chopped parsley.
• Enjoy: This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, and it's sure to become a new favourite in your recipe repertoire. Eat and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can omit the pancetta and use a plant-based alternative if preferred.
Feel free to prepare the braised short ribs a day ahead and reheat for even richer flavours the next day.
This recipe will not only fill your home with incredible aromas but will also leave your guests raving about the tender, flavour-packed beef short ribs and decadent red wine sauce.

Keyword beef recipe, beef stew, braised beef, ont beef

Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Ontario Beef. Opinions in this post are my own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to comment below! You may also enjoy my Tuscan Beef Stew, or my Frenched Rack of Lamb or my Ultimate BBQ Pork Ribs.