Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Herbs: A Comforting Recipe for Every Occasion

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When you think of a cozy, comforting meal, there’s a good chance that beef short ribs come to mind. The rich, savory flavor, the tender meat that practically falls off the bone, and the hearty broth that wraps everything in a flavorful embrace—it’s a dish that satisfies both the body and soul. Imagine preparing this feast in your own kitchen, where the aroma fills the house, signaling that a delicious meal is on the way.

Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Herbs is one of those recipes that elevates your cooking game without requiring advanced techniques. Whether you use a slow cooker or opt for the oven method, this dish is straightforward yet decadent. The tender beef, complemented by the earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms and the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs, makes it the perfect main course for a family dinner, a special celebration, or just a simple weekday meal.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make these slow-braised short ribs at home, from the ingredients and preparation steps to tips for making this meal truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable, rewarding, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

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Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Herbs
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
   • Crockpot Method
   • Oven Method
3. What Makes This Recipe Special
4. Pairing Suggestions for Side Dishes
5. Nutritional Information
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

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Ingredients for Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Herbs

The secret to making this dish exceptional lies in the ingredients you choose. While the recipe might seem simple at first glance, each component plays a crucial role in creating a tender, flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll need:  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

For the Beef Short Ribs:

Ingredient	Quantity
Yellow onions (thinly sliced)	2
Bone-in beef short ribs	5 pounds
Kosher salt	To taste
Freshly ground black pepper	To taste
Shallots (halved)	6
Garlic cloves (smashed)	8
Carrots (chopped)	6
Beef broth	2 cups
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Fresh thyme (chopped)	2 tablespoons
Dried bay leaves	2

For the Mushrooms:

Ingredient	Quantity
Salted butter	4 tablespoons
Cremini mushrooms (sliced)	2 cups
Fresh sage (chopped)	1 tablespoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste

These ingredients, when combined, create a truly remarkable dish. The short ribs are the star, slow-cooked to tender perfection, while the mushrooms add an earthy, savory balance to the overall flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme and sage ensure that every bite is bursting with aroma and depth.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Crockpot Method

The beauty of slow braised beef short ribs is that they can be made effortlessly using a slow cooker. If you have a busy day ahead, this method allows you to set it up in the morning and return home to a house filled with the comforting scent of dinner nearly ready.

1. Layer the Ingredients

Start by layering the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will create a flavorful base for the short ribs to sit on, and the onions will soften and add depth to the broth as they cook.

2. Add the Short Ribs

Place the bone-in short ribs on top of the onions. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure the beef is well-flavored.

3. Add the Vegetables and Broth

Scatter the halved shallots, smashed garlic cloves, and chopped carrots around the short ribs. These vegetables will add sweetness and balance to the rich beef broth.

Next, pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. Add the tomato paste, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. These ingredients will infuse the broth with a wonderful flavor as the dish slow cooks.

4. Slow Cook the Ribs

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–6 hours. The slow cooking method will break down the connective tissue in the short ribs, making them tender and juicy. The longer you cook them, the more flavorful and tender they will become.

5. Reduce the Sauce

Once the cooking time is up, turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Discard the bones and skim off any excess fat from the surface of the broth. Let the sauce cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to reduce slightly. You’ll notice the sauce will become richer and more concentrated.

6. Sauté the Mushrooms

While the sauce is reducing, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. Allow the mushrooms to brown and develop their natural sweetness.

Add the remaining butter and chopped sage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and caramelized.

7. Serve

Once everything is ready, plate the short ribs with the savory sauce. Top with the caramelized mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Oven Method

If you prefer using the oven, this method is equally effective and allows you to check on the dish as it cooks.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and allow it to fully heat up while you prepare the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Pot

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, layer the sliced onions at the bottom. Place the short ribs on top and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Add the Vegetables and Broth

Scatter the shallots, garlic, carrots, and the same seasonings as the crockpot method. Pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.

4. Roast the Ribs

Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and roast for 2½ to 3 hours. The meat should be fork-tender and pull away easily from the bone. Check occasionally to ensure that the ribs are cooking evenly.

5. Skim the Grease

Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bones and skim off any excess grease from the surface of the broth.

6. Sauté the Mushrooms

Use the same method as above to sauté the mushrooms in butter with sage.

7. Serve

Plate the short ribs, top with the sautéed mushrooms, and serve with your favorite sides.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

You might be wondering, what sets this recipe apart from other beef short rib dishes? It’s the combination of the slow cooking process, the deep flavor of the beef, and the addition of fresh herbs and mushrooms that truly make it stand out.

• Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor: Whether you choose the crockpot or oven method, the slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that you can’t get from faster cooking methods.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and sage add brightness and depth to the dish, while the garlic and shallots provide a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.
• Mushrooms for Earthy Richness: The cremini mushrooms, sautéed in butter with fresh sage, add a lovely earthy flavor and a bit of texture to contrast the tender short ribs.
• Versatility: This recipe is adaptable to different methods. If you don’t have a slow cooker, the oven method works just as well.

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Pairing Suggestions for Side Dishes

To make your meal even more complete, consider pairing these slow-braised short ribs with one of the following sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the classic pairing for this dish. They soak up the flavorful sauce and make each bite a little bit more indulgent.
• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf adds a slightly nutty flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or loaf of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts add a bit of crunch and balance the richness of the beef.

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Nutritional Information

For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for this recipe (based on 6-8 servings):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish provides a good balance of protein and fat, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best cut of beef for short ribs?

Bone-in beef short ribs are ideal for this recipe. The bones help infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks, and the cut is well-marbled, making it perfect for slow cooking.

Can I use a different kind of broth?

Yes! While beef broth is traditional, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or red wine for a more intense, rich taste.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Absolutely! The short ribs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and sauté the mushrooms just before serving.

Is there a way to make this dish more low-carb?

To reduce the carb count, you can serve the short ribs with a low-carb side like cauliflower mash or sautéed greens instead of mashed potatoes or rice.

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Conclusion

This Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Herbs recipe is everything you could want in a meal: comforting, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you use the crockpot or the oven, the result is a tender, savory dish that will have your family and guests asking for seconds. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, pick your method, and indulge in the ultimate comfort food. And when you do, don’t forget to share your experience and any modifications you made. Happy cooking!

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