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Cola Braised Short Ribs

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Cola braised short ribs are a rich, savory dish with a touch of sweetness, made by slow-cooking beef short ribs in a flavorful braising liquid featuring cola, tomato paste, and aromatics until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups regular cola (not diet)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the cola, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir to combine.
  8. Return the short ribs to the pot. The liquid should come about two-thirds up the sides of the ribs.
  9. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
  10. Remove from the oven, discard the bay leaves and thyme stems, and skim any excess fat from the surface if desired.
  11. Serve hot with the braising liquid spooned over the top.

Notes

  • Add mushrooms or parsnips for extra heartiness.
  • Tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
  • Can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
  • Substitute  beef chuck if short ribs are unavailable.
  • Make it gluten-free by using GF flour and ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cola-braised-short-ribs/