Description
This Beef Short Ribs and Beans Recipe is a hearty, soul-warming one-pot meal combining tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs with creamy cannellini beans. Infused with deep, rich flavors from smoked paprika, fresh herbs, and a savory broth, it is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps create a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy and impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3–4 lbs beef short ribs, well-marbled
Beans
- 2 cups cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (if canned)
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- Optional: 1/2 cup red wine
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a crust during searing and locks in the juices.
- 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. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, letting the browned bits from the ribs add flavor.
- Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, fresh thyme and rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom flavors and thicken the base.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in beef broth and red wine if using, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return short ribs to the pot, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until meat is tender.
- Add beans and finish cooking: About 30 minutes before the ribs are done, add the rinsed and drained beans. Cook uncovered to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb sprigs and serve hot, garnished if desired.
Notes
- Patience is key: slow simmering creates tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Don’t skip searing: browning ribs adds rich, savory depth.
- Use homemade beef broth if possible for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust liquid levels during cooking; add more broth if stew thickens too much.
- Let dish rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: beef short ribs, beans, one-pot meal, slow-cooked, hearty dinner, comfort food, gluten free