Tomato-Braised Short Ribs over Creamy Polenta
Slow-braised short ribs settle into a rich tomato sauce with garlic, thyme and sweet carrots, then meet a soft bed of buttery Parmesan polenta.
Slow-braised short ribs settle into a rich tomato sauce with garlic, thyme and sweet carrots, then meet a soft bed of buttery Parmesan polenta. It’s a deeply comforting dinner for a relaxed evening, with most of the cooking time spent quietly in the oven.
Serves: 4. Time: About 3½–4½ hours.
Equipment
Large skillet, deep oven-safe baking dish, foil, medium saucepan, tongs, whisk, spoon, knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons. A Dutch oven with a lid can replace the skillet and baking dish.
Ingredients
- FOR THE SHORT RIBS
- 3 lb thick, English-cut bone-in short ribs
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 14–15 oz
- 1½ cups beef broth, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- FOR THE POLENTA
- 1 cup dry polenta
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Method
- Heat oven to 325°F. Pat ribs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet; brown ribs in batches and transfer to a deep oven-safe baking dish.
- Cook onion and carrots in the skillet 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, broth, thyme and bay leaf, scraping up browned bits.
- Pour sauce around ribs. Liquid should reach halfway to two-thirds up the meat; add broth if needed. Cover tightly with foil and braise 2½–3½ hours, until fork-tender.
- Near serving time, bring water and milk to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in polenta. Cook over low heat, stirring often, following package timing and adding liquid as needed. Stir in butter and Parmesan; season to taste.
- Discard bay leaf and skim excess fat from sauce. Spoon ribs and sauce over polenta.
Tip: Serve over mashed potatoes instead of polenta.
This recipe calls for 3 lb thick, English-cut bone-in short ribs. The catalogue lists Short Ribs but does not confirm the thickness or cut style; check the current listing.
Download the printable recipe