Description

Braised Beef Short Ribs feature slow-cooked, succulent beef ribs infused with smoky notes from smoked turkey bacon and a bright tang from apple cider vinegar. This rich and tender dish offers comforting, complex flavors ideal for family dinners or sharing with guests, with minimal prep and flexible variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Bacon

2.5 to 3 pounds meaty, well-marbled beef short ribs (bone-in)
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Aromatics and Vegetables

2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

0.5 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
3 cups beef broth

Herbs and Seasonings

1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Thickening

1 to 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper to lock in flavor and prepare for searing.
Brown the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Sear the Ribs: In a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp and fragrant. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Using this fat, sear the short ribs on each side until deeply browned, developing a rich crust.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat and add chopped carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook gently until softened and aromatic, forming the flavor base for the braising liquid.
Deglaze and Build the Braising Liquid: Pour in apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), beef broth, and fresh herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors.
Braise the Meat: Return the seared short ribs and smoked turkey bacon to the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid. Cover tightly and place the pot in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Cook slowly for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the meat carefully and strain the braising liquid if desired. Stir in the natural gelling agent and simmer gently until the sauce is thick and velvety.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the tender short ribs and spoon the luscious sauce over them. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

Choose well-marbled short ribs for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Take your time searing the ribs to develop a deep caramelized flavor.
Cook slowly at low temperature to achieve melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Let the meat rest briefly after braising to lock in juices.
Taste the sauce at the end and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: braised beef short ribs, smoked turkey bacon, slow cooked beef, comfort food, tender ribs, plant-based sauce thickener