If you are searching for the All Time BEST Comfort Fall dish, look no further than these Guinness Braised Short Ribs. This hearty, soul-warming recipe brings together tender, fall-off-the-bone beef enriched with deep, malty Guinness stout and fragrant herbs. Every bite bursts with layers of savory flavor and autumnal charm, making it a perfect centerpiece for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll earn its spot as your All Time BEST Comfort Fall recipe to enjoy year after year.

All Time BEST Comfort Fall Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the magic of these Guinness Braised Short Ribs, you only need a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an important role—the flour gives a golden crust, the stout infuses rich depth, and fresh herbs add aromatic warmth that elevates every forkful.

½ cup all-purpose flour: This light coating helps create a beautifully caramelized sear on the ribs for extra flavor.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural beefy taste.
¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds subtle heat and balances the richness.
4 pound beef short ribs: The star of the dish, offering tender, succulent meat that’s full of flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the ribs to lock in juices.
1 large onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the braising liquid.
1 large carrot (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
2 stalks celery (chopped): Provides fresh aromatic notes and balances the flavor profile.
6 cloves garlic: Garlic infuses savory warmth throughout the dish.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a layer of umami and thickens the sauce beautifully.
440 ml Guinness stout (1 can): The magic ingredient that transforms this into the All Time BEST Comfort Fall recipe with its distinct malty richness.
2 cups beef broth: Adds depth, moisture, and enhances the meaty flavors.
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (Mesquite): For a subtle smoky undertone that complements the Guinness perfectly.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary: These fragrant herbs provide that unmistakable warmth and earthiness.
4 sprigs fresh thyme: Thyme adds delicate herbal notes that brighten the dish.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh finish when garnished.

How to Make All Time BEST Comfort Fall

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ to ensure it’s hot and ready when you transfer the ribs for braising. This step sets you up for that perfect slow-cooked tenderness that makes this the All Time BEST Comfort Fall favorite.

Step 2: Prepare Short Ribs

Whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper on a shallow plate. Dredge the beef short ribs carefully in this mixture, covering all sides evenly. This coats the ribs and ensures a gorgeous golden crust once seared.

Step 3: Sear Short Ribs on All Sides

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ribs in batches so they aren’t crowded, and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply browned. This caramelization not only locks in juices but builds the foundation for the dish’s complex flavor. Remove the ribs and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and garlic becomes fragrant — a simple step that adds a lovely aromatic base to the braise.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Then pour in the Guinness stout, beef broth, and liquid smoke. Add rosemary and thyme sprigs, and bring everything to a boil while scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. This step is what gives this dish that signature richness and soulful depth that makes it the All Time BEST Comfort Fall meal.

Step 6: Transfer to Oven and Braise

Return the browned short ribs to the pot, nestling them in the liquid and covering them with a lid. Transfer the whole pot to your preheated oven and allow the ribs to braise for 2 ½ to 3 hours. The result? Meat so tender it falls off the bone, infused with fragrant herbaceous and malty flavors that define this comfort classic.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Garnish the ribs with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of vibrant color and fresh herbal note. Serve these beauties hot over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every luscious drop of sauce.

How to Serve All Time BEST Comfort Fall

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is an excellent, simple garnish to brighten the dish with a pop of green and a subtle herbal touch. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for enhanced richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up the decadent sauce. Roasted root vegetables or sautéed green beans provide complementary texture and seasonal color, rounding out your All Time BEST Comfort Fall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the short ribs family-style in the Dutch oven itself, surrounded by roasted vegetables for a rustic autumn centerpiece. Alternatively, plate individual ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a small drizzle of the braising liquid reduced into a rich sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Guinness Braised Short Ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it perfect for a comforting next-day meal.

Freezing

These ribs freeze exceptionally well. Let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their signature flavor and tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, covered, to preserve moisture and tenderness. Adding a splash of beef broth or water will help refresh the sauce and prevent drying out, bringing back that All Time BEST Comfort Fall satisfaction.

FAQs

Can I use another type of beer instead of Guinness?

While Guinness lends a unique malty depth, you can substitute with a similarly rich stout or porter. Just avoid lighter beers, as they won’t provide the same robust flavor.

Is there a substitute for liquid smoke?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it or add a small amount of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing, transfer the ribs and liquid mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until tender. It’s an easy method for hands-off cooking with equally delicious results.

What can I serve if I want a lighter side?

Try serving the ribs with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. They add brightness and balance the rich flavors without heaviness.

How do I ensure the ribs are tender and not tough?

Low and slow cooking is key. Make sure to braise the ribs long enough, until the meat is very tender and pulls away easily from the bone.

Final Thoughts

This Guinness Braised Short Ribs recipe truly deserves the title of All Time BEST Comfort Fall. It combines simple ingredients with care and patience to create a dish packed with warmth and deep, multi-layered flavor. If you’re looking to impress friends, feed family, or simply treat yourself to cozy goodness, this recipe is the perfect go-to. Don’t wait until the leaves start falling — bring the spirit of fall into your kitchen today with this amazing comfort food.

All Time BEST Comfort Fall Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Guinness Braised Short Ribs recipe is the ultimate comfort food for fall, featuring tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with Guinness stout, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables. Perfectly braised to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, these ribs are an ideal hearty meal served over creamy mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for braising the ribs.
Prepare short ribs: In a shallow plate, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each short rib thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Sear short ribs on all sides: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ribs in batches without overcrowding, searing each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove ribs and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same Dutch oven, add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until onions soften and garlic becomes fragrant.
Deglaze the pot: Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly, then pour in Guinness stout, beef broth, and liquid smoke. Add rosemary and thyme sprigs and bring the mixture to a boil. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Transfer to the oven and braise: Return the short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven. Braise for 2 ½ to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Garnish and serve: Carefully remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs from the pot. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the ribs. Serve the braised short ribs hot, ideally over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Notes

For maximum flavor, do not skip searing the ribs; it locks in juices and develops a rich depth in the sauce.
If you can’t find liquid smoke, you can omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for some smokiness.
Braising time may vary slightly depending on your oven; cook until ribs are tender and easily pulled off the bone.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or creamy grits for a truly comforting meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Irish-inspired