Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs 38 min | Total: 5 hrs 18 min
Cost: $51.20 total, $8.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 lb Bone‑in Short Ribs (thick‑cut, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt (for seasoning ribs)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
- 2 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 2 tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 2 cup Dry Red Wine (full‑bodied, such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cup Beef Stock (low‑sodium)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped)
- 2 lb Russet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (room temperature, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (warmed)
- 1 lb Carrots (peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Honey
Instructions
Season and Sear the Short Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat and sear the ribs until deeply browned, about 2‑3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion to the same pot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Add Tomato Paste and Flour
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stir well, and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Time: PT3M
Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine, stirring to loosen any remaining fond. Bring to a simmer and reduce the wine by half, about 8‑10 minutes. If you’re short on time, add the wine in two batches, allowing each batch to reduce before adding the next.
Time: PT10M
Return Ribs and Add Liquid
Return the seared short ribs to the pot. Add the beef stock, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Braise in the Oven
Cover the Dutch oven loosely with its lid and place it in a pre‑heated oven at 300°F. Braise for 4 hours, or until the meat is fork‑tender and falling off the bone.
Time: PT4H
Temperature: 300°F
Finish the Sauce
Remove the short ribs and set aside, keeping them warm. Strain the braising liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan, discarding solids. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to a gravy consistency, about 10‑15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Time: PT15M
Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Optional)
While the ribs are braising, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork‑tender, about 12‑15 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add butter and warmed milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Time: PT20M
Make Honey‑Glazed Carrots (Optional)
In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the carrot pieces, drizzle with honey, and sauté until carrots are tender and lightly caramelized, about 8‑10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
Time: PT10M
Plate and Serve
Spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate, arrange the short ribs on top, drizzle with the reduced sauce, and garnish with minced fresh parsley. Serve the honey‑glazed carrots on the side.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bone‑in Short Ribs: Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2‑inch pieces
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel stalk
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White Onion
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato purée (use 3 tbsp)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dry Red Wine: Beef broth + 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Instead of Beef Stock: Chicken stock, Vegetable stock
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half‑and‑half, Almond milk (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch Oven or Oven‑Safe Heavy Pot with Lid
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven Mitts
- Potato Masher (optional)
- Whisk (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the short ribs to develop deep flavor.
- Reducing the red wine by half to concentrate its taste.
- Braising at a low temperature (300°F) for 4 hours for tenderness.
- Straining and reducing the sauce to achieve proper thickness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wine you love drinking; the flavor intensifies during reduction.
- After searing, let the ribs rest for a minute before adding vegetables – this prevents burning the aromatics.
- Skim the fat from the surface of the sauce for a cleaner finish.
Troubleshooting
Ribs are still tough after 4 hours.
Continue braising for another 30‑45 minutes, checking for tenderness. Ensure the oven temperature is accurate.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer the strained sauce longer to reduce, or whisk in a slurry of 1 tsp flour mixed with cold water.
Sauce becomes grainy.
Strain the sauce through a fine mesh and whisk vigorously; avoid over‑cooking the flour.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store ribs and sauce in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The short ribs can be braised a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove.
- Sauce thickens when cooled; whisk in a splash of stock before reheating.
- Mashed potatoes and carrots reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in American comfort food cuisine?
Red wine braised short ribs are a classic American comfort dish that evolved from French braising techniques. The slow‑cooked, wine‑infused meat became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as home cooks sought restaurant‑quality meals at the dinner table.
What are the traditional regional variations of braised short ribs in American cuisine?
In the American South, short ribs are often braised with tomatoes, onions, and a touch of brown sugar. In the Pacific Northwest, chefs may add coffee or stout beer. The version on Chef Genevieve LaMonaca’s channel uses red wine and fresh herbs for a richer, European‑style flavor.
How is Red Wine Braised Short Ribs traditionally served in American home cooking?
Traditionally the ribs are served over a creamy mash—such as mashed potatoes or polenta—and drizzled with the reduced braising sauce. They are often accompanied by a bright vegetable side like honey‑glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts.
What occasions or celebrations is Red Wine Braised Short Ribs traditionally associated with in American culture?
This hearty dish is a favorite for holiday meals, family gatherings, and dinner‑party celebrations because it can be prepared ahead of time and impresses guests with its deep flavor and tender meat.
What makes Red Wine Braised Short Ribs special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a robust red‑wine reduction, aromatic herbs, and a long, low‑temperature braise creates a melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that is rare in everyday American cooking, elevating a simple cut of beef to a gourmet experience.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?
Common pitfalls include not searing the ribs long enough, reducing the wine too quickly, and cooking at too high a temperature, which can result in tough meat or a greasy sauce. Follow the low‑and‑slow oven temperature and reduce the wine by half for best results.
Why does this Red Wine Braised Short Ribs recipe use flour after the tomato paste instead of a cornstarch slurry?
Flour is added after the tomato paste to create a roux‑like base that thickens the sauce gradually during the braise, giving it a velvety texture. A cornstarch slurry would thicken too quickly and could create a glossy, less rustic finish.
Can I make Red Wine Braised Short Ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, the ribs can be fully braised a day ahead. Cool them to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container with the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?
The meat should be fork‑tender and pull away from the bone easily. The sauce should be glossy, deep mahogany in color, and coat the back of a spoon without being watery.
How do I know when the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are done cooking?
Test a rib by inserting a fork; it should slide in with little resistance and the meat should separate from the bone. The internal temperature will be around 190‑200°F, indicating the connective tissue has broken down.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Genevieve LaMonaca specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Genevieve LaMonaca specializes in classic American dinner recipes with a focus on comforting, family‑friendly meals, detailed technique explanations, and approachable plating ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Genevieve LaMonaca's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Genevieve LaMonaca emphasizes step‑by‑step fundamentals, such as proper searing and deglazing, while keeping ingredient lists simple and accessible. Her videos often include side‑dish pairings and practical make‑ahead tips that many other channels overlook.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






