If you’re craving a dish that wraps you up in a warm embrace of flavor, then this Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs swimming in a luscious, creamy herb-infused sauce that’s rich with savory beef broth and a perfect hint of garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe takes classic slow-braising to new heights, promising a meal that feels like a big welcome-home hug, no matter the season. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy night in, these short ribs will become your new favorite comfort food obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe is simple yet essential, working together to build layers of flavor and texture that are nothing short of extraordinary.
- 2 lbs bone-in short ribs: The star of the dish, these are packed with flavor and become incredibly tender when braised.
- Salt to taste: Use kosher salt for a clean, bold seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground pepper to taste: Adds a lively, aromatic kick that balances the richness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the ribs and adding depth and richness to the overall flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, melting beautifully during cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic richness that’s simply irresistible.
- 3 cups beef broth: Forms the savory base for the sauce, lending a robust meatiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a creamy, decadent texture that elevates every bite.
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped: Fresh herbs brighten the sauce with their vibrant flavors and aroma.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy umami complexity that deepens the dish’s savory profile.
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a perfect luscious consistency.
How to Make Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Short Ribs
Start by patting your short ribs dry with paper towels. This little step helps the meat absorb all the wonderful seasonings and makes sure you get a glorious sear. Then, sprinkle both kosher salt and freshly ground pepper generously on every side to ensure each rib is bursting with flavor from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs to Perfection
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the short ribs in the pan and brown them on every side for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This crusty, golden exterior not only adds incredible texture but also locks in all those juicy flavors, setting the stage for the braising process.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them down until they are soft and aromatic, around two or three minutes. This mixture will add a delicious sweetness and depth to your sauce, making it feel really homemade and hearty.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Herb Sauce
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. This dreamy combination is what gives the sauce its deep, savory flavor balanced by rich creaminess. Stir in your fresh chopped herbs here — thyme, rosemary, or parsley — for an aromatic burst that lifts the entire dish.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Bliss
Place your beautifully seared ribs into a slow cooker and pour the creamy herb sauce right over the top. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, allowing the ribs to become incredibly tender and infused with every note of the sauce. Slow cooking is where the magic truly happens, transforming the meat to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce If Desired
If you love a thicker gravy to spoon generously over everything, mix your flour or cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce toward the end. Let it simmer and bubble until it reaches a luscious consistency — this final touch makes the sauce even more decadent and comforting.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and arrange them on a serving platter. Ladle that rich, creamy herb sauce over the top, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s truly rewarding and delicious.
How to Serve Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra sprigs of thyme can add a beautiful pop of color and freshness to your plate. A little cracked black pepper on top wakes up the creamy sauce and adds a final layer of aromatic appeal.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are classic companions — their mellow textures are perfect for soaking up every drop of that heavenly sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables add vibrant color and balance to the richness of the ribs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic presentation, serve the ribs family-style in a large shallow bowl with sauce poured over, allowing everyone to help themselves. Or try plating each rib individually atop a bed of herb-infused risotto for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too—store the ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It’s best to freeze within two days of cooking and consume within 2 to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and consistent. If it thickened too much after chilling, just add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless short ribs will work fine, but bone-in ribs often provide more flavor and help keep the meat tender during the long cooking process.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can braise the ribs in a covered oven-safe pot at 325°F for about 3 to 4 hours until tender. Slow cookers are just more hands-off and convenient.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?
Parsley or sage can be used as excellent alternatives. They add their own unique herbaceous notes without overpowering the dish.
Is the heavy cream necessary in the sauce?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness and silky texture, but you could swap it for half-and-half for a slightly lighter version if you prefer.
How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?
They’re done when the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone easily. This usually takes about 7–8 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
This Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe is such a rewarding meal to make and enjoy. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a special occasion with its luxurious sauce and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough — whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, it’s bound to become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.
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Comforting Braised Short Ribs in Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Braised Short Ribs in a luscious creamy herb sauce. Tender, flavorful short ribs slow-cooked to perfection and enveloped in a rich, aromatic sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a velvety cream base. Ideal for a cozy dinner that melts in your mouth and satisfies your soul.
Ingredients
Short Ribs
- 2 lbs short ribs, bone-in
- Salt, to taste (preferably kosher salt)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs: Pat your short ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the ribs will brown beautifully and develop rich flavor.
- Season: Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground pepper all over the short ribs. Ensure every piece is well-coated to maximize flavor infusion during cooking.
- Sear the ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the short ribs on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until a rich golden crust forms, locking in the juices.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their fragrant aromas, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. This mixture forms the creamy, savory sauce that will infuse the ribs during slow cooking.
- Add fresh herbs: Stir the chopped fresh herbs into the broth mixture to introduce bright, herbal notes that enhance the richness of the dish.
- Slow cook: Place the seared short ribs into a slow cooker and pour the creamy herb sauce over them. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours until the ribs are incredibly tender and falling off the bone.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the flour or cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce just before serving and let it simmer until it thickens and bubbles.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy herb sauce generously over the ribs. Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in short ribs for richer flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure to brown the ribs properly; this step adds essential depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Adjust cooking times depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings and rib thickness.
- Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity by half.
- To make the sauce gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
