Guinness and short ribs? Be prepped for the cooler evenings with one of our most mouthwatering yet!

With a blend of rich flavors and, of course, a splash of iconic Irish stout, this dish delivers the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

But why Guinness, you ask? Well, the Irish stout is more than just a drink to enjoy at the pub—it’s a secret weapon in the kitchen. Its deep, malty richness adds a layer of complexity to the meat, bringing out flavors that will make your taste buds do a jig. Let’s dive into this recipe and talk about why it should become your next kitchen masterpiece!

 Your tastebuds are sure to thank you!

Guinness braised short ribs recipe

Cook time: 2.5 hours

Prep time: 45 minutes

Yield: 12 (1 1/2 lb.) short ribs

Preheat oven to 350F

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart of beef stock
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 2 cans of Guinness draught beer
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 chopped onions
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 12 (1 1/2 pound) bone-in short ribs
  • Canola oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper.

Coat your pot with canola oil and pan-sear short ribs in batches.

When the meat is seared to an amber-brown color, transfer to a roasting pan.

In the same pot, sauté carrots, onions, and celery for 5 to 8 minutes then transfer to the roasting pan.

Add two cans of Guinness draught to deglaze the pot over medium heat.

Pour this liquid over the short ribs in your roasting pan.

Add beef stock, tomato juice, and fresh thyme to the roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.

Place meat into preheated oven and braise for 2 to 2.5 hours.

The short ribs will slightly pull away from the bone when cooked.

Ribs vary in size so cook times may differ.

Remove short ribs from the roasting pan and transfer to a plate to rest.

Strain the remaining liquid and divide in half.

Pour one-half of the liquid into a saucepan and reduce over medium/high heat and reduce to create a sauce.

When ready to serve, simmer short ribs in the second half of your liquid until tender, approximately 15 minutes.

Spoon sauce reduction over the short ribs and serve with horseradish mashed potatoes and sautéed Brussels sprout leaves.

Horseradish mashed potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 6 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons horseradish

Method:

In a large heavy pot, cover potatoes with cold salted water. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until tender.

Drain potatoes, then push through a ricer or mash well while potatoes are still warm.

Add butter, cream, and horseradish to potatoes and stir.

Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Enjoy!

* Originally published in 2016. Updated in Sept 2024.