Barbecue Beef Shortribs
Tender, smoky barbecue beef short ribs simmered in a rich tomato and brown sugar sauce, perfect for hearty family meals and casual gatherings. Flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the beef short ribs in cooking oil.
- Add 2 cups of water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours. Drain.
- Combine the tomato paste, ketchup, minced garlic, brown sugar, chopped onion, vinegar, mustard, salt, and remaining water; mix well.
- Pour the sauce over the ribs.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
- Serve over cooked noodles if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the short ribs overnight in the sauce before cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. For a healthier twist, substitute half of the ketchup with pureed vegetables or use low-sugar ketchup. Consider using a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach that yields tender meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue beef short ribs over hot cooked noodles for a hearty meal. A side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad complements the rich flavors well. For a complete dinner, consider pairing with cornbread or roasted vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with Lean Beef 'N' Vegetables for a balanced menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue beef short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Beef Shortribs contains roughly 952 calories, with 2g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless short ribs, but be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly. Boneless ribs tend to cook faster than bone-in, so check for tenderness after about 45 minutes of simmering.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
If you need a substitute for brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to replicate the flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work, but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to the barbecue sauce, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).