If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe. Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs get that rich, deep flavor from slow braising in apple cider and aromatic broth, while the sweet, golden caramelized onions add a luscious balance that brightens the dish. It’s a dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pot filled with several layers of ingredients sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has brown cooked meat chunks with cooked onions, soft orange carrot slices, and a light golden broth. On top of this are whole peeled shallots with a smooth light purple texture, halves of red apples with shiny skin, and a cut garlic bulb showing white cloves inside. Fresh green thyme sprigs cover the center, and there is a single bright green bay leaf on one side. The pot handle has the word STAUB in raised letters. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to success with this recipe. Each item has a purpose, enhancing the rich, layered flavors and silky textures that make this dish unforgettable.

5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs: Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs for the most tender and flavorful outcome.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a beautiful crust when searing and thickens the braising liquid into a luscious sauce.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural beefy flavor.
1 tablespoon salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the caramelized onions perfectly.
4 yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star for the caramelized onions, providing sweetness and depth.
2 cups apple cider: Imparts a subtle fruity brightness that cuts through the richness of the ribs.
2 cups chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds moisture and another layer of savory complexity during braising.
6 carrots, chopped: Lends sweetness and body to the braising liquid, enhancing the sauce.
6 cloves garlic, smashed: Offers aromatic warmth that infuses the meat and sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the beef marvelously.
1 apple, quartered (optional): Adds a subtle fruity note when cooked with the ribs.
2 bay leaves: Provide a subtle earthy background flavor to the slow-braised sauce.

How to Make Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepping and Searing the Ribs

Begin by seasoning your 5 pounds of bone-in short ribs with kosher salt and black pepper, then lightly coat them with all-purpose flour. This step is crucial for building a beautiful crust when searing, which locks in the juices and adds incredible flavor. Heat a large oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat and sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned. This sizzling step sets the stage for tender, flavorful meat.

Step 2: Caramelizing the Onions

Once your ribs are seared and removed to a plate, wipe away excess grease from the pot and add a tablespoon of salted butter. Toss in the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook them down for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in half a cup of apple cider, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let the cider reduce while the onions turn a gorgeous golden-brown. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness, which perfectly balances the richness of the beef.

Step 3: Building the Braise

Now add fresh thyme, the short ribs back to the pot, and pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of apple cider along with 2 cups of chicken broth or dry white wine. Toss in the chopped carrots, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Nestle quartered apples around the meat if you’re using them for that extra hint of fruitiness. Cover the pot and slide it into your preheated oven at 325°F to braise gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The result is tender meat that shatters at the touch of a fork and a sauce shimmering with concentrated flavors.

Step 4: Finishing Touches and Serving

Carefully remove the bay leaves, then serve your short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite creamy side. Pour the silky pan sauce with the caramelized onions generously over the top. The tender meat soaked in cider and broth combined with the slight sweetness of the onions is pure magic on a plate and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you.

How to Serve Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe

A deep blue plate holds two layers of food on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth, creamy mash that is pale yellow and spread evenly across the plate. On top, there is a rich stew with dark brown, tender pieces of meat mixed with orange carrot chunks and small bits of caramelized onion. Fresh green thyme sprigs are scattered on the stew for decoration. In the background, there is a piece of torn crusty bread and a glass with a dark red liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of thyme or chopped parsley add color and a fresh herbal brightness that cuts pleasantly through the rich sauce. A little finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt brought out just before serving gives a satisfying crunch and elevates the depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

These short ribs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all the luscious sauce and make every bite indulgent. Roasted root vegetables or buttery polenta are also gorgeous companions that maintain a nice balance without overpowering the meat’s deep flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet elegant presentation, arrange the short ribs on a large wooden board with a pool of the braising liquid and nestled caramelized onions on top. For dinner parties, serve individual portions in pretty ramekins or shallow bowls, letting the warm aroma invite guests to dive right in. Adding a crisp green salad alongside adds a refreshing contrast to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The short ribs will keep nicely for up to 4 days, making them perfect for reheating and enjoying lunches or dinners throughout the week without losing the wonderful flavor or tenderness.

Freezing

This Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion the ribs with some of the sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm your ribs slowly on the stovetop over low heat, uncovered, so the sauce thickens slightly again, or reheat in the oven covered with foil to keep the meat tender and moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow, gentle reheating preserves that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless short ribs will work fine and may cook slightly faster. Just keep an eye on them during braising to ensure they become tender without drying out.

Is apple cider necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Apple cider is key for the subtle sweetness and fruitiness it brings to the sauce, but you can substitute with dry white wine or even apple juice mixed with a splash of vinegar if needed.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! After searing the ribs and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Add the apples in the last hour or so. It’s a wonderful, hands-off way to get tender results.

What’s the best way to caramelize onions without burning?

Cook the onions slowly over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often. Adding a small pinch of salt helps draw out moisture and encourages even browning without rushing the process.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can caramelize the onions and sear the ribs a day ahead, then combine all ingredients for the braise and cook when you’re ready. This makes dinner day much easier and lets flavors marry even more deeply.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all at once. This Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe is one I come back to time and again for cozy gatherings and whenever I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll find that the tender meat, sweet onions, and tangy cider come together in a way that feels both homey and a little bit magical.