Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta

Braised short ribs served with creamy polenta is the epitome of comforting and hearty home-cooked meals. The rich, tender beef paired with the smooth, velvety polenta creates a satisfying and delicious combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

The short ribs melt off the bone with each bite, offering a depth of flavor from the long braising process, while the creamy polenta adds a luxurious texture to balance the rich beef. It’s a meal that’s both simple to make and impressive in presentation, ideal for when you want to serve something extraordinary without the fuss.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in beef short ribs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• 1 sprig fresh thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cup polenta

• 4 cups water or chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Remove ribs and set aside. Add onion and garlic to the same pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

4. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.

5. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

6. While the short ribs are braising, prepare the creamy polenta. Bring water or broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in the polenta and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

7. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

8. To serve, place a generous scoop of polenta on each plate, top with braised short ribs, and spoon some of the braising liquid over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 675 kcal
Servings: 4 servings

The Inspiration Behind Braised Short Ribs & Creamy Polenta

The idea for this dish comes from a favorite dining experience at Cucina Urbana, a San Diego-based restaurant. Known for their short rib pappardelle pasta, the dish left a lasting impression and inspired the creation of a similar braised short rib recipe. The goal was to replicate the delicious flavors of the restaurant’s dish while making it accessible at home. This braised short rib recipe focuses on the traditional slow-braising method, which ensures the meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The polenta was chosen as the perfect pairing for the ribs, providing a creamy, hearty base to complement the richness of the beef.

What Makes Braised Short Ribs So Delicious?

Braised short ribs are a standout in the world of slow-cooked dishes. The slow-braising process allows the meat to absorb the deep flavors of the cooking liquid, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The combination of red wine, beef broth, and fresh herbs like thyme infuses the ribs with a robust flavor that is intensified through long, slow cooking. This method of cooking allows the collagen in the ribs to break down, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. Paired with creamy polenta, the short ribs become even more satisfying, with the polenta soaking up all the savory juices, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

Why Polenta Is The Perfect Companion

Polenta is an Italian dish made from cornmeal, and it serves as a fantastic base for rich, braised meats like short ribs. The polenta’s creamy texture complements the tender, juicy beef, providing a contrast in texture and enhancing the overall meal experience. The key to making great polenta is stirring constantly as it cooks to avoid lumps and achieve the desired smooth consistency. The addition of butter and Parmigiano Reggiano adds richness and flavor, making the polenta a luxurious accompaniment to the beef. Furthermore, polenta is versatile and can be served in many ways, but when combined with braised short ribs, it becomes the perfect vehicle to absorb the braising liquids and elevate the dish to a whole new level.

The Slow-Braising Process Explained

Slow-braising short ribs is an essential technique for achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that makes this dish so unforgettable. To begin, the short ribs are browned in oil to develop a deep, caramelized flavor. The vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, are then sautéed and seasoned, adding even more depth to the dish. Tomato paste and red wine are added to the pot to deglaze, creating a rich base for the braising liquid. After simmering for several minutes, beef broth and fresh thyme are added to infuse the dish with additional flavor. The short ribs are placed back into the pot and submerged in the liquid, where they will cook low and slow for 2.5 to 3 hours, resulting in perfectly tender and flavorful meat. This method of cooking ensures that the ribs are infused with all the delicious flavors of the broth while becoming so tender that they easily pull apart.

Tips for Perfect Braised Short Ribs

• Make sure to brown the short ribs properly before braising. This step develops a deep flavor that will enhance the final dish.

• Be mindful of seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially the vegetables and the braising liquid. A pinch of salt here and there helps bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• If possible, let the short ribs rest in the cooking liquid for a little while after braising to allow the flavors to meld together.

• You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative if needed.

• Braised short ribs are great for making leftovers, as the flavors intensify over time. Consider using the leftovers to create a short rib pasta, like the dish that inspired this recipe.

Making the Creamy Polenta

While the short ribs are braising, you can prepare the creamy polenta. Start by heating chicken broth and milk in a saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil. Stir in the polenta and continue stirring as it thickens to avoid lumps. The key to perfect polenta is patience – allow it to simmer slowly, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. After the polenta has cooked for 15-20 minutes, it should be thick and soft. At this point, you can stir in butter and Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, cheesy flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. The creamy polenta will soak up the braising liquid from the short ribs, creating a deliciously comforting base that complements the tender beef.

The Beauty of Leftovers

One of the best aspects of braised short ribs with creamy polenta is that it makes for fantastic leftovers. After enjoying the main dish, any remaining short ribs and polenta can be transformed into a new meal. The short ribs can be shredded and mixed with the leftover braising sauce to create a delicious short rib pappardelle pasta. Simply add the shredded meat and sauce to freshly cooked pasta and toss with grated Parmigiano Reggiano for an easy yet gourmet meal. This makes braised short ribs with creamy polenta a great option for meal prepping or making ahead, as the dish tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Luxurious Meal

Braised short ribs with creamy polenta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a combination of tender, flavorful meat and a creamy, cheesy side that will satisfy any craving. The slow-braising process results in beef so tender it falls off the bone, while the creamy polenta provides a rich and smooth complement. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this dish delivers both flavor and satisfaction. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its ability to be customized. You can experiment with different herbs, add vegetables to the polenta, or even make it with a variety of meats to suit your preferences. No matter how you make it, braised short ribs with creamy polenta will always be a meal to remember.