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Date Night Braised Beef Short Ribs

Luxurious, comforting, and made for lingering over, these slow-braised short ribs are the ultimate Date Night Done Right centerpiece. Rich beef simmers for hours in red wine, herbs, and aromatics until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, creating a dish that feels both impressive and deeply cozy. Paired with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes and a generous pour of red wine, it sets the tone for an intimate evening where the food feels special but the effort stays minimal. This is the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, connect, and savor every moment together.

  • Prep time: 30 minutes

  • Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes

  • Servings:   4

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef short ribs, boneless and cut into 4 pieces
  • Alternatively, you may use bone-in short ribs and adjust the weight accordingly.
  • 1 yellow onion, large dice
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 carrot, large dice
  • 1 celery stalk, large dice
  • 4 sprigs thyme, tied together
  • 1 cup red wine (e.g., Cabernet)
  • 6 cups veal or beef stock/broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste


Method

  1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large pot or cocotte over high heat, and add clarified butter or canola oil.
  3. Add the short ribs and sear until deeply golden brown on all sides.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until tender.
  5. Add the red wine and cook until the alcohol cooks off.
  6. Add the stock and thyme; bring to a low simmer, then cover.
  7. Cook for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender and falling apart.
  8. Remove the meat from the sauce.
  9. Strain the cooking liquid and reduce until slightly thickened (nappé consistency).
  10. Spoon the sauce over the short ribs. Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, along with the reserved braised carrots.