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Irresistible Braised Short Ribs with Red Grape Jus & Garlic Mash – Easy & Delicious!

Few meals can compete with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory flavor of perfectly braised short ribs. Slow-cooked in a luscious sauce with garlic, herbs, and vegetables, these Irresistible Braised Short Ribs with Red Grape Jus & Garlic Mash bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. The ribs simmer gently in a flavorful bath of beef broth, red grape juice, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs until they’re so tender they practically fall off the bone. Paired with creamy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s hearty, cozy, and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, date night, or Sunday family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper — the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with smiles. ❤️✨
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you’ll need for your braised short ribs and garlic mashed potatoes:
🍖 For the Braised Short Ribs
🥩 Meat
  • 3 lbs beef short ribs bone-in for maximum flavor
🧅 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced (divided use)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
🥫 Canned Goods
  • 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
🫒 Oils & Fats
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
🍇 Beverages
  • 1 cup red grape juice instead of red wine
🥔 For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
🥔 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced or roasted
🧈 Dairy
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ cup milk warm
  • Salt to taste
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Equipment

  • You don’t need a chef’s kitchen to pull off this stunning dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Potato masher or hand mixer (for the mash)
  • Saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. This recipe may sound fancy, but it’s easy to follow — with just a bit of patience, you’ll have a dish worthy of any special dinner.
Step 1: Season & Sear the Ribs
  1. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the ribs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and sear on all sides until deep brown — about 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Remove the ribs and set aside on a plate.
  5. Pro Tip: Browning the ribs is key to building flavor — it caramelizes the meat and creates those delicious browned bits that form the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add onion and carrots.
  2. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze & Simmer
  1. Pour in the red grape juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
  2. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavor.
  3. Add beef broth, rosemary, and thyme.
  4. Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
  5. The broth should just about cover the ribs — add more if needed.
Step 4: Braise Until Tender
  1. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid.
  2. Reduce heat to low and let it cook slowly for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
  3. Check occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed to keep the ribs mostly submerged.
  4. Optional: You can also transfer the pot to a 325°F (160°C) oven and braise for the same amount of time — perfect for hands-off cooking.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Mash
  1. While the ribs finish braising, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender — about 15–20 minutes.
  2. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté the remaining 4 cloves of garlic until fragrant (or use roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor).
  3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with garlic butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth.
  4. Pro Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to your mash.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
  1. Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the pot and set aside.
  2. Strain the braising liquid or simply skim out the herbs and vegetable chunks if you prefer a rustic texture.
  3. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  4. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon — glossy, rich, and packed with flavor.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
  1. Spoon a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes onto each plate.
  2. Place a short rib on top and drizzle with plenty of the rich sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for color.
  4. This meal is comfort food elegance — tender, juicy beef melting into creamy potatoes with a sweet-savory grape reduction that ties everything together. 🍷🍖✨

Notes

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze ribs and sauce (without the mashed potatoes) for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm ribs gently in a pot over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot.
Reheat mashed potatoes separately with a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
🥄 Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these twists for fun variations:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Add bay leaves or a hint of oregano during braising.
Caramelized Onion Touch: Add a layer of slow-cooked onions to the sauce for extra sweetness.
Honey-Grape Glaze: Stir a tablespoon of honey into the sauce for a glossy, slightly sweet finish.
Creamy Mushroom Style: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before serving.
Root Veggie Mash: Replace some potatoes with parsnips or carrots for a unique twist.
Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter and milk for a lighter version.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Braised short ribs taste even better the next day after the flavors deepen.
2. What can I substitute for red grape juice?
Use pomegranate juice or unsweetened cranberry juice for similar flavor depth.
3. Can I use boneless short ribs?
You can, but bone-in ribs add more richness to the sauce.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
5. Can I cook this in the oven instead of stovetop?
Yes, bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for 2½–3 hours.
6. What sides go best with this dish?
Try green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad.
7. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Beef broth provides a richer flavor, but chicken broth will still work.
8. How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened grape juice or reduce the amount slightly.
9. What kind of potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes make the fluffiest mash.
10. Can I skip the tomato paste?
It adds richness and color — but if you must, replace it with a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire alternative.
🏁 Conclusion
These Irresistible Braised Short Ribs with Red Grape Jus & Garlic Mash are the definition of elegant comfort food. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork, soaking up every drop of the rich, flavorful sauce.
Paired with buttery garlic mashed potatoes, it’s a combination that feels indulgent yet soul-warming — perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner that impresses without stress.
Every element of this dish tells a story of care and patience: the slow braising, the aromatic herbs, the velvety sauce, and the creamy mash. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that will make any meal feel special.
So set the table, pour yourself a glass of sparkling grape juice, and enjoy this hearty, comforting classic that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.