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Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions. Slow cooked short ribs in apple cider with fresh herbs and sweet caramelized onions. If there’s one cozy fall and winter meal you need to be making, it’s these braised short ribs. They’re simple to put together and totally delicious. Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and you’ll have the perfect dinner for a cold night in.
It’s about this time every year that I lean into making more low and slow dinners, either in the crockpot or braised in the oven.
There’s just something so comforting knowing that dinner is slow cooking all day long. It means a warming meal is sure to be had at the end of the day. And in fall, that’s really all I want. What I love about short ribs is that there’s something so “fancy” about them. But yet they’re actually so simple and easy to prepare.
And when cooked properly, totally delicious!
Of course, these short ribs were inspired by my brother Creighton. He’s a huge fan of pot roast. He’s always asking me to make a recipe similar to what my mom made growing up.
I’m sure at some point I will make a classic pot roast, but I love slow braising short ribs. I knew these would not disappoint anyone.
And trust me, Creighton was very pleased with this dinner. He’s been talking about it ever since I made the recipe, so I’m excited to share it today!
The details
I’ve been really into caramelizing onions lately. I love the added richness in flavor they bring. I also love that caramelizing the onions really takes the bitter bite out of them. Therefore, I knew I wanted them to be a big part of this recipe.
Start by searing the ribs in a nice big cocotte that’s oven safe. When the ribs are browned, pull them out, then add the onions and start to slowly cook them down. I love to add a splash of the apple cider to help the onions cook down a little quicker.
When the onions have reached a light gold color, the rest is simple. Just add the short ribs back to the pot, add lots of apple cider, white wine (or broth), carrots (my favorite part), garlic, and fresh thyme.
Arrange some apple wedges around the meat. Then cook low and slow all day long either in the oven or in the crockpot.
The kitchen will smell incredible as this slow cooks all day, and the outcome is beyond good.
I love the pairing of sweet apple cider and tangy caramelized onions. Something about the combo with beefy short ribs is just so good.
Finish it up
I love to serve this over creamy mashed potatoes, with gravy and onions spooned over top. Then simply add some crusty bread on the side. This really is one of the best, cozy meals there is.
It feels very fancy, and very French too, which is so fun!
I made this exact recipe for Sunday night dinner with the family. It was the perfect dinner to enjoy on our first snowy night of the year. If you need something warm and hearty to serve this fall, this recipe is a go-to.
Looking for other slow cooked fall recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Rib Pasta
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Lastly, if you make these Cider Braised Short Ribs, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the how-to video:
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 868 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 5 pounds bone in beef short ribs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups chicken broth or dry white wine
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 apple, quartered (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Oven
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F.2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then rub with flour to coat. Heat a large oven-safe Dutch Oven over high heat, sear the ribs on both sides. Remove the ribs to a plate, wipe the pot clean of grease. 3. Add the butter and onions and cook 5 minutes, until softened. Add a 1/2 cup apple cider, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking another 5-8 minutes, until the cider has evaporated and the onions are lightly golden. Add the thyme, then add the short ribs back to the pot. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups cider, broth or wine, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. Arrange the apples around the meat. Cover and roast in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.3. Remove the bay leaves. Serve the ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with the pan sauce and onions. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker
- 1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then rub with flour to coat. Heat a large Dutch Oven over high heat, sear the ribs on both sides. 2. To the bowl of your crockpot, add the butter and onions, then place the ribs over the onions. Add thyme, apple cider, broth or wine, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the apples, arranging them around the meat.3. Remove the bay leaves. Serve the ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with the pan sauce and onions. Enjoy!
This post was originally published on October 13, 2021
So good! Definitely making again! Thank you
Hi Hailey! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Have a lovely week! xTieghan
Ugh, I didn’t go through all the comments before making this! Saw the one about the onions being cooked/caramelized before adding to crockpot after I already started the crockpot. It would be helpful if you added that as a step/detail in the slow cooker instructions. I’ll try making this again bc it looks so yummy!
Hi there! I’m sorry about that, I’ll have to add that again! I hope you enjoy this recipe 🙂 xTieghan
Is this recipe super apple cider flavored? Or more subtle? My sister and I are planning on making it on Friday.
So subtle!
Would this be adaptable to pressure cooking?
Hi there! Yes, that should work just fine! 🙂 xTieghan
I just made this tonight boy was it a hit! So delicious! My husband loved it! So simple in the slow cooker. Thanks for this recipe I’ll be making this all winter.
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
These were AMAZING!!! I love all your savory cider recipes so when I saw you post this, I knew I had to make it! All the flavors work so well together and it was pretty simple to make! Another amazing HBH dinner! ????
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
This looks amazing! How could you do this in an instant pot?
Hi, I did the oven version and it was the best fall meal EVER! Bye beef stew! This was fairly easy preparing everything first and then just taking the yummy steps. I loved the apple cider, apples, thyme and of course the caramelized onions. I did add salt to taste at the time of serving and when it came out of the oven, I just mashed the potatoes. Honestly, i went to the beach with the dog all afternoon while this divine lusciousness cooked. It was ready at the 2.5 hour mark on the dot! Next time I will use wine instead of broth. My husband was speechless! Smashed garlic – SO EASY! Full of fall flavor
Hi Barbara! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I’m so glad you enjoyed it for a yummy fall dinner! xTieghan
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
Obsessed ? just out of this world!
Hey Sarah! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, so glad you enjoyed it! xTieghan
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
I made this last night for my mom and boyfriend. It was a big hit with everyone – the meat fell right off the bone and was so tender. Instead of mashed potatoes, we paired it with a butternut squash and mushroom risotto so it was full fledged Fall meal. Next time, I think I’d try the mashed potatoes as I think I’d love the simplicity of it and letting the short rib really shine.
Thanks Tieghan, this is definitely a keeper!
Hey Christina! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, makes me so happy you enjoyed it! Some mashed potatoes would definitely be yummy 🙂 xTieghan
So yummy! Loved this recipe, will definitely make again. I used boneless meat which made serving a breeze, and we have tons of leftovers for the week!
Made these last night and I realized I’m not a huge onion fan.
My dutch oven wouldn’t fit all of the ingredients as it’s smaller and I also was running out of time so needed to use my insta pot on High for an 1 hour and 15 mins. The meat was super tender and fell off the bone.
They really left me wanted a little more flavor, I make my pot roast and short ribs with a little chili sauce and I really like the richness it adds so I guess I was expecting a slight richness that was missing.
Everyone liked it and paired well with mashed potato.
Don’t think it is fair to date a recipe I’d you do r prepare it as written If you aren’t a fan of onions then look for another recipe. Not fair to the author to rate a recipe and not prepare it as written
Totally agree! As an onion lover, I was sold on this. Even added the shallots. lol
Hey Lora! I’m so sorry this recipe didn’t turn out the way you hoped! Let me know how I can help. xTieghan
Hi Sam! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe! 🙂 xTieghan
Made it this weekend for friends it was delicious ….
Hi Donna! So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Have a great day! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! This will become one of my Sunday staples to enjoy that night and as leftovers throughout the week. I made it for the first time yesterday and it was perfection. Served over mashed potatoes, it was the ideal comfort food – think pot roast but fancy. I used boneless short ribs and did not find that to be a problem. If you are looking for a unique yet easy fall supper, look no further!
Thank you, HBH, for another winner!
I will add that since I was short on time and had already used the dutch oven to sear the ribs and sauté the onions, mine was cooked in the oven. Excellent end result!
Hey Kristin! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, so glad to hear you loved it! xTieghan
This recipe was as amazing as it sounds. I think my boyfriend fell in love with me after eating this meal. Highly recommend!
Haha that’s what we like to hear! Sounds like it was a winner! So glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂 xTieghan
Delicious! Made in slow cooker. Added 8 oz sliced mushrooms. Smelled amazing while cooking. Served over mashed red potatoes.
I am wanting to make bone broth with the bones. Do you have a recipe, Tieghan?
Oh the addition of mushrooms sounds delicious! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try. 🙂 xTieghan
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan