Tired of the same predictable fall dinners that leave your family underwhelmed? These Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs transform humble beef into fork-tender, flavor-packed perfection that literally falls off the bone.

As the weather cools, nothing satisfies like the rich, aromatic embrace of slow-cooked meat infused with autumn’s signature flavors.

At Cooks Foody, Elizabeth discovered this recipe during a crisp October weekend in Austin, experimenting with seasonal ingredients from the farmers market. What began as culinary curiosity evolved into our most requested fall recipe. With over ten years of perfecting braised meats, we’ve refined every step of this process to ensure spectacular results for cooks of all experience levels.

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to select the ideal short ribs, master the braising technique, and serve a dinner that will have everyone requesting seconds. We’ll cover everything from meat selection tips and flavor-building techniques to perfect side pairings and make-ahead instructions.

Why These Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs Work

Uses affordable, bone-in beef short ribs that transform beautifully when braised
The apple cider creates natural tenderness while infusing fall flavors
Simple prep with dramatic results – perfect for impressing dinner guests
Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining or meal prepping
Creates a complete one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
Delivers restaurant-quality results with home cooking simplicity

Choosing the Right Meat for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Best Cuts for This Recipe

For the most mouthwatering Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs, always select bone-in beef short ribs. These contain the perfect balance of meat, fat, and connective tissue that breaks down during braising. Look for “English-cut” short ribs (cut parallel to the bone) rather than “flanken-style” (cut across the bones) for this particular recipe.

Buying Tips

When shopping for short ribs for your apple cider braise, look for:

Meat with good marbling throughout
Bright cherry-red color (avoid gray or brown discoloration)
At least 2 inches of meat atop each bone
Approximately 6-8 ounces per bone
Ask your butcher to remove any silver skin while keeping the fat cap intact

Substitutions

If short ribs aren’t available for your apple cider braise, consider these alternatives:

Beef chuck roast (cut into 3-inch chunks)
Bone-in beef shanks
Beef brisket (adjust cooking time as needed)

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall's Most Mouthwatering Dinner — Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall’s Most Mouthwatering Dinner

Meat Prep Essentials

Before braising your short ribs in apple cider, proper preparation is crucial:

Remove meat from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
Pat completely dry with paper towels
Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides
Trim excess fat if thicker than ¼ inch, but leave some for flavor

Marinades/Rubs

For these apple cider braised short ribs, you’ll need:

4-5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pantry Staples

Complete your apple cider braised short ribs with these essentials:

2 cups high-quality apple cider (not vinegar)
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon flour for thickening (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Pre-Cooking Prep for Short Ribs

Preheat oven to 325°F
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Working in batches of 3-4 ribs, sear meat on all sides until deep brown (about 2-3 minutes per side)
Transfer seared ribs to a plate and continue with remaining meat

Cooking Method for Apple Cider Short Ribs

Reduce heat to medium and add onions, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven
Cook vegetables until softened, about 5-7 minutes
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds
Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes
Pour in apple cider, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot
Add beef broth, herbs, and spices
Return short ribs to the pot, bone-side up, partially submerged in liquid
Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to preheated oven
Braise for 2½-3 hours until meat is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone

Doneness Check for Short Ribs

Your apple cider braised short ribs are perfectly done when:

Meat easily pulls away from the bone with slight pressure
A fork inserted meets minimal resistance
Internal temperature reaches at least 205°F for that melt-in-your-mouth texture

Resting Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Once done, carefully remove Dutch oven from the oven
Let short ribs rest in cooking liquid for 15-20 minutes with lid slightly ajar
For enhanced flavor, consider cooling completely and refrigerating overnight, then reheating gently the next day
Before serving, skim excess fat from the surface

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Avoiding Tough/Dry Short Ribs

Never rush the braising process low and slow is essential
Maintain a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil
Ensure your Dutch oven has a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture
Don’t skimp on the searing step it’s crucial for developing deep flavor
For extra moisture insurance, place a piece of parchment paper directly on the meat before covering

Tool Recommendations

For the best apple cider braised short ribs, these tools make all the difference:

Heavy enameled cast iron Dutch oven (7-quart capacity or larger)
Sturdy tongs for handling the meat
Instant-read thermometer
Fat separator for the finished sauce
Microplane for grating fresh ginger or citrus zest as optional flavor enhancers

Storage & Reheating

Apple cider braised short ribs actually improve with time:

Refrigerate leftovers in their braising liquid for up to 4 days
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes)
Freeze portioned ribs in braising liquid for up to 3 months in airtight containers
Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating

Looking for more fall comfort food inspiration? Check out our Cozy Pumpkin Polenta recipe that pairs perfectly with these short ribs!

For more cooking inspiration, follow our growing collection of seasonal recipes on Pinterest where we share exclusive tips and variation ideas for all our favorite dishes.

Flavor Variations for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Spicy Twist

Transform your apple cider braised short ribs with these heat-forward adaptations:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smokiness
Include ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper in your initial seasoning
Finish with a drizzle of hot honey for sweet-heat balance
Add fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers to the vegetable mix

Health-Conscious Options

Adapt your apple cider braised short ribs to fit various dietary needs:

Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener
Use arrowroot powder instead of flour for thickening
Add extra vegetables like parsnips and turnips for more fiber
Replace half the short ribs with mushrooms for a meat-reduced option

Global Flavors

Take your apple cider braised short ribs around the world with these international twists:

Flavor Profile	Key Additions	Serving Suggestions
Korean	Gochujang paste, sesame oil, ginger	Serve with kimchi and rice
Moroccan	Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, dried fruit	Serve over couscous
French	Herbes de Provence, cognac deglaze	Serve with mashed potatoes
Mexican	Cumin, oregano, orange zest	Serve with corn tortillas

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Create a memorable meal by pairing your apple cider braised short ribs with these perfect companions:

Starchy Sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes or parsnip puree
Buttered egg noodles tossed with fresh herbs
Cozy Pumpkin Polenta for the ultimate fall pairing
Crusty sourdough bread for sopping up the rich sauce

Vegetable Sides:

Roasted Brussels sprouts with maple glaze
Sautéed kale with garlic
Honey-glazed carrots
Simple green salad with apple slices and vinaigrette

For Dessert:
Don’t miss our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a perfect sweet finish to your meal!

FAQs About Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Can I make apple cider braised short ribs in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.

What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice for this recipe?
Apple cider is unfiltered and has a more robust, complex flavor that’s ideal for braising. Apple juice will work in a pinch but lacks the depth that makes this dish special.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Remove the cooked short ribs and keep warm. Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stovetop and reduce until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the simmering liquid.

Can I prepare apple cider braised short ribs ahead of time for a dinner party?
Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better when made 1-2 days ahead. Complete the entire cooking process, cool, and refrigerate in the braising liquid. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

These Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs represent everything we love about fall cooking at Cooks Foody comforting, impressive, yet surprisingly straightforward. The magic happens as humble ingredients transform during the slow braise, creating something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something spectacular on a chilly weekend, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen. The combination of tender beef, sweet-tart apple cider, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of fall flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Ready to bring the tastes of autumn to your dinner table? Gather your ingredients, set aside a lazy afternoon, and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of these braising short ribs. Then share your results with us we love seeing how our recipes come to life in your kitchen!

Don’t forget to check out our Cozy Pumpkin Polenta as the perfect accompaniment to complete your fall feast!

Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall’s Most Mouthwatering Dinner