Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine & Creamy Garlic Mash
When the holidays roll around, nothing says comfort and luxury quite like Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine served over a bed of Creamy Garlic Mash. This dish is rich, hearty, and full of deep, savory flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting – the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas, New Year’s, or winter dinner table. With tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs and a silky mashed potato base, this recipe will impress your guests and warm everyone’s hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Special Occasions – holiday-ready and elegant.
- Tender & Flavorful – slow-braised ribs in a red wine sauce melt in your mouth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – the flavors deepen if prepared in advance.
- Restaurant-Worthy Comfort Food – indulgent, cozy, and crowd-pleasing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 640
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 42g
- Sugar: 4g
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Short Ribs:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (cabernet or merlot work well)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Mash:
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Grocery List
✔ Beef short ribs
✔ Onion
✔ Carrots
✔ Celery
✔ Garlic
✔ Tomato paste
✔ Red wine
✔ Beef broth
✔ Rosemary & thyme
✔ Potatoes
✔ Heavy cream
✔ Butter
✔ Olive oil
How to Make Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine & Creamy Garlic Mash
- Prepare the Ribs – Pat ribs dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear in hot olive oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Base – In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste.
- Deglaze – Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Braise – Return ribs to the pot, add beef broth, rosemary, and thyme. Cover and braise at 325°F (160°C) for 2 ½ – 3 hours until tender.
- Make the Mash – Boil potatoes with garlic until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Serve – Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with short ribs, and ladle the rich red wine sauce over the top.
Tips for Success
- Brown the ribs first – Searing locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce.
- Choose quality red wine – If you’d enjoy drinking it, it’s perfect for cooking.
- Braise low and slow – Gentle cooking ensures the ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Make ahead for deeper flavor – This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
How to Serve
- Classic Pairing: Serve over creamy garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- With Sides: Complement with roasted winter vegetables or a crisp green salad for balance.
- Wine Pairing: Add a glass of red wine to elevate the entire dining experience.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store cooled ribs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the ribs (without mashed potatoes) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Chef’s Special Tip
For a restaurant-style finish, strain the braising liquid once the ribs are done, then simmer it until slightly reduced. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter right before serving to create a glossy, velvety sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
Conclusion
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine & Creamy Garlic Mash is the ultimate holiday comfort dinner – rich, tender, and unforgettable. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether for Christmas, a festive dinner party, or a cozy winter evening, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it this holiday season and bring a little extra warmth and elegance to your table!