Beer Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Fork tender and hearty beer braised short ribs are a great beef recipe great for entertaining or when you just want a comfort food classic! You can make these stout braised short ribs in the dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant pot.

How to Make the Best Beer Braised Short Ribs
Rich, Tender Beef Braised in Beer
Beer braised short ribs are a showstopper dish that looks far more complicated to make than it actually is. The long, slow cooking transforms tough cuts of beef into incredibly fork-tender morsels while the stout beer adds depth and complexity to the braising liquid. This is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for special occasions or when you just need something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of beer braised short ribs lies in their simplicity and versatility. Whether you choose to braise them in a traditional Dutch oven, a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, the result is the same: melt-in-your-mouth meat with a rich, savory sauce. The stout beer creates a deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelized beef and aromatic vegetables. Serve these ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
The Perfect Occasion
These beef short ribs are ideal for entertaining since most of the work happens in the oven. You can prepare them ahead, and they actually taste even better the next day. They’re hearty enough for a winter dinner party but simple enough to make on a weeknight when you’re craving serious comfort food.

Beer Braised Short Ribs
Fork tender and hearty beer braised short ribs are a great beef recipe great for entertaining or when you just want a comfort food classic! You can make these stout braised short ribs in the dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant pot.
Ingredients
Main
Instructions
Dutch Oven Method
- Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pot with the stout beer, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef stock, thyme springs, bay leaves, and garlic.
- Return short ribs to the pot, ensuring they're mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to a 325°F oven.
- Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork tender. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Method
- Follow browning instructions as above. Transfer browned short ribs to a slow cooker.
- Add the sautéed vegetables, deglazed liquid, stock, herbs, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours until meat is very tender.
Instant Pot Method
- Brown short ribs as above. Add sautéed vegetables and deglazed liquid to the Instant Pot.
- Add beef stock, herbs, and garlic. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before quick release.
Notes
- These short ribs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
- You can prepare this recipe a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
- The braising liquid is delicious—strain it and reduce it on the stovetop for a concentrated sauce if desired.