Easy Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe to Try

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together tender meat and rich flavors, this Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This one-pot wonder combines melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with creamy, savory beans, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a flavorful, comforting meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, rich flavors: Slow-cooked beef short ribs absorb every bit of seasoning and broth, delivering a taste that’s truly unforgettable.
• One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, saving you time on prep and cleanup without compromising on taste or texture.
• Hearty and satisfying: The combination of tender ribs and hearty beans creates a balanced and filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Family-friendly: This dish pleases all ages, making it a perfect option for dinner parties or cozy nights with loved ones.
• Customizable and adaptable: You can easily tweak the seasoning, beans, or cooking time to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the succulent beef to the creamy beans and aromatic seasonings, every item works together to create a harmonious dish.

• Beef short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for tender, juicy results that soak up all the flavors during slow cooking.
• Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans add body and subtle earthiness to complement the beef perfectly.
• Onions and garlic: Essential aromatics that provide a savory foundation and depth to the dish.
• Tomato paste: Enhances richness and adds a gentle tang that balances the meat’s heaviness.
• Beef broth: Acts as the cooking liquid infused with umami to tenderize the ribs while enriching the beans.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary): These brighten the dish with subtle herbal notes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all other ingredients.
• Olive oil: For searing the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, adding a gentle fruity undertone.

Variations for Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe

Feel free to make this Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe your own! Whether you want to swap ingredients for personal preferences or dietary needs, this recipe easily adapts without losing its hearty charm.

• Different beans: Try pinto, kidney, or black beans to bring new textures and colors into the dish.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for a spicy kick if you love heat.
• Vegetarian twist: Substitute short ribs with smoked tempeh or portobello mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
• Slow cooker method: Easily adapt the recipe for slow cooking to deepen flavors and leave minimal hands-on time.
• Wine infusion: Add a splash of red wine to the broth for a richer, bolder flavor.

How to Make Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the short ribs

Start by patting the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a nice crust during searing, locking in the juices inside.

Step 2: Sear the ribs

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides until richly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the aromatics

In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. The browned bits from the ribs in the pot will add incredible flavor during this step.

Step 4: Add tomato paste and spices

Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook together for a minute or two to bloom the flavors and thicken the base.

Step 5: Deglaze and simmer

Add beef broth (and red wine if using) to the pot, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom with a wooden spoon. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until meat is tender.

Step 6: Add beans and finish cooking

About 30 minutes before the ribs are done, add the rinsed and drained beans. Continue cooking uncovered to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 7: Final seasoning and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the herbs and serve your delicious Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe hot, garnished if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe

• Patience is key: Slow simmering makes all the difference in achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
• Don’t skip searing: Browning the ribs locks in flavors and gives the dish its rich, savory depth.
• Use homemade broth if possible: It boosts flavor complexity compared to store-bought versions.
• Adjust liquid levels: Keep some extra broth on hand to add if the stew thickens too much during cooking.
• Rest before serving: Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes off heat lets flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the hearty meat and beans.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or crusty artisan bread to soak up every savory drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the ribs on a wooden board with beans spooned generously on the side, or create a layered serving in deep bowls for a cozy, comforting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight.

Freezing

Freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on low to medium heat in a covered pot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of short ribs?

Yes, beef chuck or brisket work well as substitutes, but short ribs provide the most tender and flavorful results due to their marbling and connective tissue.

Are canned beans okay for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using canned beans saves time—just rinse and drain them before adding to avoid excess salt and liquid.

How long does the cooking process take?

This recipe generally requires around 2 to 2.5 hours, including searing and simmering, to ensure the ribs are tender and flavors well-developed.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the ribs first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

Remove the lid towards the end of cooking to let the sauce reduce, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe is a truly comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s straightforward to prepare and endlessly rewarding to enjoy. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!

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