Guinness Braised Short Ribs: Deep, Malty, and Fall-Apart Tender With Roasted Beer Flavor

ByKarl S

Guinness Braised Short Ribs are the definition of slow-cooked comfort — bone-in beef ribs simmered for hours in a bath of Guinness stout, aromatics, and broth until the meat collapses into rich, roasty shreds.

The beer builds a deep umami sauce with hints of coffee, chocolate, and molasses, making this the perfect dish for cold nights, Sunday dinners, or pairing with mashed potatoes and a dark pint.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Ribs

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • 2 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ cups Guinness (or another dry Irish stout)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 sprigs thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar or balsamic for extra depth

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Ribs

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Pat short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear ribs 2–3 minutes per side until well-browned. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Build the Braise

  1. In the same pot, sauté onion until soft (5–7 minutes), then add garlic and cook another minute.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and cook until darkened, 1–2 minutes.
  3. Deglaze with Guinness, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add broth, Worcestershire, herbs, and optional sugar or balsamic. Return ribs to pot.

Step 3: Braise

  1. Cover and transfer to the oven.
  2. Braise 2½ to 3 hours until ribs are fork-tender and the meat pulls away from the bone.
  3. Skim fat and reduce liquid slightly on the stove if desired for a thicker sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles
  • Spoon sauce generously over the top
  • Pair with roasted root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread
  • Use leftovers for tacos, sliders, or Guinness shepherd’s pie

Storage

  • Keeps in the fridge up to 4 days
  • Tastes even better the next day
  • Freezes beautifully in sauce for up to 2 months
  • Reheat low and slow for best results

Beer Pairing

In the Pot

  • Guinness Draught or Extra Stout
  • Any dry Irish stout, oatmeal stout, or roasty porter
  • Avoid sweet pastry stouts — too cloying when reduced

In Your Glass

  • Same beer used in the braise
  • Baltic porter or English brown ale for mild contrast
  • Barrel-aged stout for intensity
  • Red ale or Irish ale for smooth, slightly sweet balance

Final Thoughts

Guinness Braised Short Ribs are pure beer-braised indulgence — slow-cooked to perfection, wrapped in roasty richness, and built for plates with puddles of mashed potatoes and a stout within reach.

They’re easy to prep, hard to mess up, and proof that beer belongs in the pot as much as the pint. Cheers to slow braises, deep pours, and short ribs that fall apart with a fork! 🍖🍺🔥

🍺 Alternatives to Guinness

No Guinness? No problem. These stouts and porters bring similar depth — and sometimes even more character — to your kitchen.

While Guinness is the go-to for beer-based cooking, you’ve got plenty of bold, flavorful alternatives that work just as well — and in some cases, even better — depending on the dish. If you’re looking to experiment or just need a stand-in, here are three of the best:

1. Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout

Flavor profile: Roasty, sweet, velvety

Best used in:

  • Brownies
  • Chocolate layer cakes
  • Dessert sauces
  • Braised short ribs

This one’s a dessert powerhouse — the chocolate is prominent but balanced, and the mouthfeel adds richness to both sweet and savory dishes.

2. Murphy’s Irish Stout

Flavor profile: Smooth, creamy, with a softer roast than Guinness

Best used in:

  • Irish stew
  • Beer bread
  • Onion gravy
  • Cream-based sauces

It’s the closest stylistic match to Guinness — just lighter and slightly less bitter. A great pick for traditional Irish recipes or dishes where you don’t want the beer to dominate.

3. Founders Breakfast Stout

Flavor profile: Deep roast, coffee, dark chocolate

Best used in:

  • Ice cream or affogato
  • Tiramisu
  • Chocolate cake batters
  • Braised beef or short ribs

These are bolder than Guinness — darker, heavier, and more intense. Perfect when you want the beer to be felt in the flavor, not just as a background note.

Pro tip: If you’re using these in recipes that were designed for Guinness, reduce just a touch more to concentrate the flavor — these alternatives tend to bring slightly more body and richness to the pan or batter.

🍺 Explore More Guinness Recipes

From hearty mains and pub-style snacks to rich chocolate desserts and creamy floats — these Guinness-infused recipes show off the bold magic of stout in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hosting a feast, there’s a Guinness recipe for it.

🥩 Guinness Beef Stew – Slow-cooked, hearty, and loaded with stout flavor.
🍖 Guinness Braised Short Ribs – Fall-apart tender ribs with a deep Guinness reduction.
🐔 Guinness Chicken Pot Pie – Creamy filling, flaky crust, and a splash of stout.
🍞 Guinness Beer Bread – Quick, dense, and slightly sweet with a malty twist.
🍔 Guinness BBQ Burgers – Juicy patties with smoky Guinness-spiked BBQ sauce.
🧀 Guinness Mac & Cheese – Ultra-creamy cheddar sauce with a hint of stout.
🍫 Guinness Chocolate Cake – Deep, rich chocolate layered with malty undertones.
🧁 Guinness Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting – Mini cakes with a boozy frosting twist.
🍨 Guinness Floats – Creamy vanilla ice cream meets bold stout fizz.
🍮 Guinness Chocolate Crème Brûlée – Silky, dark custard with a crackly caramel top.
🥓 Guinness Glazed Bacon – Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly crispy.
🥧 Guinness Shepherd’s Pie – Comfort food leveled up with a stout-simmered filling.
🔥 Guinness BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, and perfect on just about anything grilled.
🍫 Guinness Brownies – Fudgy brownies with a dark, malty richness.
🥣 Guinness Beer Cheese Soup – Warm, cheesy, and full of Guinness depth.

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

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