Slow-Braised BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 3½ hours | Total Time: About 4 hours

Ingredients

For the Short Ribs

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef short ribs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Braising Sauce

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 bay leaf

For Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Ribs

1. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.

2. Season all sides with:

   • Salt

   • Black pepper

   • Smoked paprika

   • Garlic powder

   • Onion powder

Step 2 – Sear

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned.

3. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3 – Build the Sauce

In the same pot:

1. Cook onion for about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in tomato paste.

4. Add:

   • Beef broth

   • BBQ sauce

   • Worcestershire sauce

   • Brown sugar

   • Dijon mustard

   • Apple cider vinegar

   • Smoked paprika

   • Cayenne (optional)

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4 – Braise

1. Return ribs to the pot.

2. Add thyme and bay leaf.

3. Cover tightly.

4. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 3½ hours, until the meat is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 5 – Finish

1. Remove the ribs carefully.

2. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thick and glossy.

3. Brush or spoon the reduced sauce generously over the ribs.

Chef's Tips

• Bone-in short ribs provide the richest flavor.

• Searing thoroughly creates a deeper, more complex sauce.

• Refrigerate overnight and reheat the next day for even better flavor.

• If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of warm beef broth.

• For a smoky finish, place the glazed ribs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These rich, tender short ribs pair beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Buttered egg noodles

• Parmesan polenta

• Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower

• Grilled asparagus

• Honey-glazed carrots

• Buttered green beans

• Warm crusty bread

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~680 kcal

• Protein: 45 g

• Fat: 45 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 13 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

Serving Description

These Slow-Braised BBQ Beef Short Ribs are deeply caramelized on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Slowly braised in a smoky, savory barbecue sauce enriched with Worcestershire, garlic, and herbs, the meat becomes incredibly succulent while the sauce reduces into a rich, glossy glaze. Finished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or any meal where bold, slow-cooked flavor takes center stage.