Imagine the aroma of rich, savory beef slowly simmering, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Picture yourself sitting down to a plate of melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy grits. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience—a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, a celebration of flavors that transport you to a place of contentment and joy.
In this article, we’ll guide you through creating this soul-soothing dish, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner eager to impress, this recipe is designed to be approachable, rewarding, and utterly delicious. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Why You’ll Love These Tender Braised Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits
This dish offers more than just a satisfying meal; it provides an opportunity to create something extraordinary in your own kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Rich, Deep Flavors: The slow-cooked short ribs absorb a medley of savory, sweet, and umami-rich ingredients, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Meat: Braising the ribs ensures they become meltingly tender, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy grits.
- Creamy, Cheesy Grits: The grits are infused with butter and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luscious base that complements the robust short ribs.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
- Easy Preparation: With a slow cooker or Dutch oven, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy the process without constant attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Short Ribs and Cheesy Grits
For the Short Ribs
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bone-in beef short ribs | 3–4 pounds |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Shallot (sliced) | 1 large |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Carrots (chopped) | 2 large |
| Beef stock | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (smashed) | 2 cloves |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Orange zest (for garnish) | To taste |
For the Cheesy Grits
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coarse ground corn grits | 1 cup |
| Chicken or vegetable stock | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Braised Short Ribs
Step 1 – Brown the Ribs for Maximum Flavor
Start by coating the short ribs in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This not only seasons the meat but also helps create a flavorful crust during searing. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the ribs on all sides until they’re beautifully browned. This caramelization adds depth to the final dish. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a slow cooker.
Step 2 – Build Your Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, chopped carrots, and celery. These aromatics will form the foundation of your braising liquid. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor. Transfer the vegetable mixture and any liquid to the slow cooker with the ribs.
Step 3 – Slow Cook Until Melt-In-Your-Mouth Tender
To the slow cooker, add the beef stock, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Grits (While the Ribs Cook)
Cook Time: Just 30 Minutes Before Serving
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable stock to a simmer over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the grits, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the grits become too thick, add more liquid to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the grits are soft and creamy, stir in the salt, black pepper, butter, and grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Plating and Serving Suggestions
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the tender short ribs and spoon over some of the braised vegetables and sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Tips & Substitutions
- No slow cooker? You can use a Dutch oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). After browning the ribs and sautéing the vegetables, add all ingredients to the Dutch oven. Cover and cook in the oven for 3–3.5 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- No grits? Substitute with creamy polenta for a similar texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the short ribs with meaty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake, and use vegetable stock in place of beef stock.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the grits for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–500 |
| Protein | 25–30g |
| Carbohydrates | 20–25g |
| Fat | 30–35g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
Note: Values are approximate and vary with portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tender Braised Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits
Can I make the short ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Braised short ribs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day or two. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty meal pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the braised short ribs and grits separately for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
What wine pairs well with braised short ribs?
A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah complements the rich flavors of the short ribs beautifully.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring
Tender Braised Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The slow-cooked ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the creamy, cheesy grits provide the perfect comforting base. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and treat yourself to this delightful comfort food classic. Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Tender Braised Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 8 hour 20 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
- Tender Braised Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits—rich, slow-cooked comfort food perfect for cozy, hearty dinners.
Ingredients
- For the short ribs:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3–4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large shallot, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Orange zest (for garnish)
- For the cheesy grits:
- 1 cup coarse ground corn grits
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the short ribs:
- Coat the short ribs in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides, working in batches. Transfer browned ribs to a slow cooker.
- Scrape the pan drippings:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, chopped carrots, and celery. Add 1/2 cup of water to help release any brown bits stuck to the pan. Transfer the vegetable mixture and any liquid to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook the short ribs:
- In the slow cooker, add beef stock, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Cook the grits:
- About 30 minutes before the short ribs are done, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a simmer in a medium pot. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more liquid to prevent sticking. When the grits are soft, stir in salt, pepper, butter, and grated cheddar cheese. Keep warm.
- Serve:
- Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the tender short ribs. Add vegetables from the slow cooker and a few spoonfuls of the braising liquid. Garnish with fresh orange zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 500 kcal per serving
Keywords: #comfortfood #braisedshortribs #cheesygrits #slowcooking #deliciousdinner #foodie #homecooking #southerncooking #heartymeals