Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs

Featured in: One-Pot Cool Comfort Meals

These beef short ribs are slow-braised in a rich amber ale sauce alongside root vegetables. The process starts with searing the ribs to lock in flavor, followed by gently cooking them in a pot with carrots, celery, onions, and aromatic herbs. The amber ale lends a malty sweetness and depth, while the beef broth enhances savoriness. The result is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings, with a comforting sauce ideal for serving alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:36:00 GMT
Tender One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs served atop a bed of hearty, braised root vegetables. Save Pin
Tender One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs served atop a bed of hearty, braised root vegetables. | frostedthyme.com

Succulent beef short ribs slow-braised in a rich amber ale sauce with root vegetables creating a cozy deeply flavored meal perfect for chilly evenings.

This recipe produces tender meat that almost falls off the bone making it a favorite for family dinners.

Ingredients

  • Beef short ribs: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) bone-in well marbled
  • Carrots: 2 large peeled and cut into chunks
  • Celery stalks: 2 chopped
  • Yellow onion: 1 large diced
  • Garlic cloves: 3 minced
  • Amber ale: 500 ml (2 cups) or another malty beer
  • Beef broth: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) low sodium preferred
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • All purpose flour: 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: 2 tsp
  • Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs or 1 tsp dried
  • Fresh rosemary: 1 sprig or 1/2 tsp dried
  • Bay leaves: 2
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned (about 3 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same pot add onion carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 6 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Add the tomato paste and flour stirring until the vegetables are coated and the mixture is fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Step 5:
Pour in the amber ale scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth brown sugar thyme rosemary and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Step 6:
Return the short ribs and any accumulated juices to the pot nestling them into the liquid and vegetables.
Step 7:
Bring to a simmer then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F). Braise for 2 2.5 hours until the meat is very tender and almost falling off the bone.
Step 8:
Remove the pot from the oven. Skim excess fat from the surface if desired. Discard bay leaves and herb stems. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 9:
Serve the short ribs and vegetables with plenty of sauce accompanied by crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
A Dutch oven brimming with savory One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs, perfect for a warming dinner. Save Pin
A Dutch oven brimming with savory One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs, perfect for a warming dinner. | frostedthyme.com

This dish has become a beloved family classic often served during chilly weekend gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted root vegetables or creamy polenta for a complete hearty meal perfect for fall and winter evenings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Allergen Information

Contains gluten from beer and flour. Check labels if sensitive to allergens and substitute accordingly.

Golden-brown One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs, falling off the bone, rich with beer and herbs. Save Pin
Golden-brown One-Pot Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs, falling off the bone, rich with beer and herbs. | frostedthyme.com

Enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to please your loved ones every time.

Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of using amber ale in the braising liquid?

Amber ale adds a malty sweetness and depth of flavor, enriching the braising liquid and complementing the beef's richness.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, refrigerating overnight allows flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste when reheated gently.

What vegetables are used in this dish?

Carrots, celery, and yellow onions create a flavorful base and add texture when slow-cooked with the meat.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for thickening and substitute the amber ale with a gluten-free malt beverage to maintain flavor.

What are good side dishes to serve with these braised ribs?

Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, roasted root vegetables, or creamy polenta complement the rich sauce well.

How do I achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs?

Slow braising at a low oven temperature for 2 to 2.5 hours breaks down connective tissue, rendering tender meat.

Amber-Glowed Beer-Braised Short Ribs

Tender beef ribs cooked slowly in amber ale and vegetables for a warm, rich meal.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
150 minutes
All-In Time
175 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy

What You'll Need

Meats

01 3.3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, well-marbled

Vegetables

01 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
02 2 celery stalks, chopped
03 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 2 cups amber ale (or other malty beer)
02 1 2/3 cups low-sodium beef broth

Flavorings & Pantry

01 2 tablespoons tomato paste
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
04 2 teaspoons brown sugar
05 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
06 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
07 2 bay leaves
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Season Short Ribs: Pat short ribs dry; season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Sear Short Ribs: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Sear ribs on all sides until deep brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot; cook 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook an additional minute.

Step 04

Incorporate Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating vegetables evenly; cook about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 05

Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in amber ale, scraping browned bits from pot bottom. Add beef broth, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves; stir to combine.

Step 06

Return Ribs to Pot: Nestle short ribs and accumulated juices into the liquid and vegetables.

Step 07

Braise: Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to oven preheated to 325°F. Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours until meat is tender and nearly falling from bones.

Step 08

Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, skim excess fat if desired. Discard bay leaves and herb stems. Adjust seasoning and serve with vegetables and sauce alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Tools Needed

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten from beer and flour.
  • May contain traces of celery.
  • Check labels of beer and broth for additional allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 690
  • Fat content: 36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 62 g