If you’re craving dinner that wraps you up in the warm embrace of autumn flavors, the Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner) is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs bathed in a spiced apple cider broth with hints of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, paired with creamy rosemary-infused mashed sweet potatoes that balance sweetness with a savory touch. Every bite is a celebration of cozy evenings and hearty comfort, perfect for those chilly nights when you want to feel both nourished and indulged.

Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner) - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of well-chosen ingredients work together to create a deeply satisfying dish. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding richness, depth, or that beautiful aroma that fills your kitchen.

3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs: These provide the rich, tender meat base that melts in your mouth after slow braising.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
2 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing the ribs and building flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to the braising liquid.
3 carrots, chopped: Contributes earthiness and natural sweetness.
4 cloves garlic, smashed: Infuses the broth with a subtle bite and aromatic depth.
3 cups spiced apple cider: The heart of the recipe, bringing bright, fruity warmth and those all-important fall spices.
1 cup beef stock: Enhances the savory richness and keeps the ribs moist during cooking.
2 cinnamon sticks: Give a cozy, fragrant layer to the cider infusion.
2 star anise pods: Impart a subtle licorice kick that balances the sweetness.
4 whole cloves: Add warmth and complexity.
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed: The perfect creamy base to complement the ribs.
4 tbsp butter: For richness and that velvety texture in the mashed potatoes.
2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced: Brings an aromatic, earthy brightness to the potatoes.
½ cup heavy cream: Makes the mashed sweet potatoes luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Salt, to taste: To balance and enhance every layer of flavor.

How to Make Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner)

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Start by patting your short ribs dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and brown the ribs on all sides. This step locks in those meaty juices and creates the rich, caramelized flavor foundation that sets this dish apart.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the seared ribs and in the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and smashed garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma—this is where flavor layers start building beautifully.

Step 3: Deglaze with Spiced Apple Cider

Pour in the spiced apple cider to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. The cider’s cinnamon, star anise, and clove will start to infuse those wonderful fall spices into every bite.

Step 4: Add Stock, Spices, and Ribs

Return the short ribs to the pot and pour in beef stock. Toss in cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and cloves. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven set at 325°F (160°C) for a slow braise that takes 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender enough to fall apart with a fork.

Step 5: Prepare Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes

While your ribs work their magic, boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter, minced rosemary, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Whipping them until fluffy makes for the ultimate cozy side that perfectly complements the richness of those cider-braised ribs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate a generous portion of rosemary mashed sweet potatoes and top with the short ribs. Spoon some of the cider-infused braising liquid over everything to tie the dish together with extra flavor and moisture. Get ready to dig into some serious comfort!

How to Serve Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or chopped parsley brings a pop of color and fresh aroma that brightens up this hearty dish. For an extra touch of warmth, a light dusting of cinnamon on the plate edges adds a little visual and sensory delight.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner) is how well it pairs with simple sides—think roasted root vegetables or sautéed green beans for a crisp contrast. A crusty artisan bread is also ideal to soak up that luscious spiced cider sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your short ribs over the mashed sweet potatoes in shallow bowls for a rustic, inviting look that’s perfect for family-style dinners. For a fancier setting, drizzle a little reduced apple cider sauce artfully around the plate and add microgreens for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs and mashed sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and maintain their flavors and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the short ribs and mashed sweet potatoes separately for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace in your containers to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the ribs gently in a covered pot over low heat or in the oven to preserve the tenderness and prevent drying out. Warm the mashed sweet potatoes on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless short ribs will work fine, though bone-in ribs often provide extra flavor and keep the meat more tender during the long braise.

What if I don’t have spiced apple cider?

If spiced apple cider isn’t available, you can use regular apple cider or apple juice and add your own cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to mimic the flavor profile.

Can this dish be made in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for similarly tender results.

Are rosemary mashed sweet potatoes necessary?

While the mashed sweet potatoes with rosemary perfectly complement the Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs, you can swap them out for classic mashed potatoes or polenta if you prefer.

How spicy is this dish?

This dish is more about warm, cozy spices than heat—it features aromatic spices like cinnamon and star anise, without any chili or pepper heat, making it suitable for all palates.

Final Thoughts

Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner) feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The layers of spiced cider and tender, luscious meat paired perfectly with rosemary mashed sweet potatoes create a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again. Trust me, once you make this, your kitchen will be filled with those cozy scents and your heart with delicious satisfaction. Give it a try—you’ll thank yourself later!

Winter Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Comfort Food Dinner)

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 41 reviews

This Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a comforting fall dish featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs infused with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and clove. Braised in spiced apple cider and beef stock, the ribs develop rich, deep flavors, complemented perfectly by creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with fresh rosemary. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy evenings and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas reminiscent of autumn.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Sear Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and smashed garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables become fragrant and begin to soften, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in the spiced apple cider to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to release all the caramelized flavors. Add the beef stock along with the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole cloves. Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
Braise Short Ribs: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Braise the short ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone easily.
Prepare Mashed Sweet Potatoes: While the ribs cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Mash Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter, minced fresh rosemary, heavy cream, and salt to taste. Whip the mixture until it’s creamy and fluffy.
Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the rosemary mashed sweet potatoes onto plates, then top with braised short ribs. Ladle some of the rich, spiced apple cider braising sauce over the ribs and potatoes for extra flavor and moisture. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of fall.

Notes

For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine during deglazing with the apple cider.
You can remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves before serving if desired to avoid biting into whole spices.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green vegetable or a fresh salad to balance the richness.