Name: Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef short ribs; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine; Salt, pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups arborio rice; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 4 cups warm broth (vegetable or chicken); 2 tbsp butter

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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe. This Italian-inspired creation brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised short ribs with creamy, luxurious risotto studded with earthy mushrooms. It’s rich, comforting, and manages to be both elegant and hearty—perfect for those special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something spectacularly delicious. The flavors marry so beautifully that each bite is like a little celebration of savory goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five thick, raw beef short ribs with bone in the center, placed on crinkled parchment paper on a wooden board. To the left, there is a small bowl filled with coarse salt next to a glass of dark red wine, and several garlic cloves scattered around. Below the ribs is a wooden cutting board with a mound of crushed garlic that has a light yellow color mixed with some green herbs, and a knife resting beside it. To the right, a brown cloth is spread out with whole garlic cloves and a glass measuring cup filled with finely chopped white onions. At the bottom, a wooden bowl contains whole onions with light brown skin. A tall glass bottle of yellow olive oil stands on the top right on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients may seem simple, but each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the richness of the short ribs to the creamy arborio rice and the umami-packed mushrooms, every item contributes a unique touch.

2 lbs beef short ribs: These are the star, offering rich, tender meat after slow braising.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the braising liquid and risotto base.
2 carrots, chopped: Provide a mild sweetness and aromatic undertone for braising.
2 cups beef broth: Intensifies that meaty flavor and keeps everything moist.
1 cup red wine: Brings acidity and richness, perfectly complementing the short ribs.
Salt, pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage to enhance the natural flavors.
1 1/2 cups arborio rice: The creamy risotto base with just the right bite and texture.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms add complexity and an inviting texture.
1 onion, diced: Builds flavor in the risotto’s foundation along with mushrooms.
1/2 cup parmesan: Adds saltiness and creaminess to finish the risotto beautifully.
4 cups warm broth: Used gradually to cook the arborio rice for a smooth, creamy risotto.
2 tbsp butter: Enriches the risotto with a silky finish and helps sauté the vegetables.

How to Make Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Start by heating a large pan and searing those beautiful beef short ribs until they develop a deep, caramelized crust. This step locks in flavor and creates that rich base you’ll want. Once browned, take them out and set aside. Trust me, this searing is the secret to a stew that tastes like it simmered all day long.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and carrots. Let them soften and soak up the flavors left behind by the ribs. This mix creates the aromatic foundation that’s going to infuse into every tender bite of meat later.

Step 3: Braise the Short Ribs

Pour in the red wine and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the seared short ribs back to the pan, cover, and place in a 325°F oven for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is incredibly tender and falling off the bone. This slow braise is where magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a feast.

Step 4: Prepare the Risotto Base

While your ribs are braising away, melt butter in a skillet and sauté the diced onion and sliced mushrooms until soft and fragrant. This step helps build the mushroom flavor that makes the risotto so special.

Step 5: Toast the Arborio Rice

Add the arborio rice to the vegetables and let it toast for about a minute, stirring constantly. Toasting the rice slightly gives it a nutty undertone, which elevates the creamy risotto to a whole new level.

Step 6: Cook the Risotto

Add the warm broth gradually, spoonful by spoonful, stirring frequently until the rice absorbs the liquid and develops that signature creamy texture. This patient process is what makes risotto so deliciously comforting.

Step 7: Shred the Short Ribs and Assemble

Once the ribs are tender, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones. Serve the rich, shredded short rib meat over the steaming mushroom risotto and sprinkle with parmesan to finish. Every forkful is a perfect harmony of luscious flavors and textures.

How to Serve Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe

A white speckled plate holds a bed of creamy, light tan barley mixed with chunks of cooked mushrooms that have a soft brown color. On top of this barley layer, there is a thick piece of dark brown, grilled meat with a charred texture and visible seasoning. A small sprig of green thyme rests on the meat, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with two clear glass water goblets blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a bright note and a burst of color that visually lifts this hearty dish. A little extra parmesan grated on top never hurts and gives a lovely salty finish.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables, you create a complete meal with balance and contrast. The freshness of a salad slices through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the risotto in shallow bowls with the shredded short rib artfully piled on top. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality wow factor that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The risotto will absorb some of the meat juices overnight, deepening the flavors even more—if you manage to resist eating it right away.

Freezing

You can freeze the braised short rib meat separately from the risotto for up to 2 months. The risotto’s creamy texture changes when frozen, so it’s best to prepare fresh risotto if possible whenever serving again.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the risotto over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture. Reheat the shredded ribs separately to keep the flavors vibrant and the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of short ribs?

While short ribs are ideal for their rich marbling and tenderness after braising, you can substitute beef chuck roast. The texture might be a bit different, but it will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to use red wine in the braise?

Red wine adds depth and a lovely acidity that balances the richness of the ribs, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace it with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe relies heavily on the flavor of the beef short ribs, so for a vegetarian version, try a mushroom risotto with a smoky roasted vegetable stew instead, focusing on rich umami flavors.

What is the best way to achieve perfect risotto texture?

The key is patience: add warm broth gradually while stirring frequently, allowing the rice to release its creamy starch naturally. Avoid rushing by adding too much liquid at once.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Braise the short ribs the day before to let the flavors deepen, and then reheat before serving. You can also prep the mushroom sauté in advance to save time when assembling.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe enough for those moments when you want to bring serious comfort and elegance to your table. It’s a dish that invites slowing down, savoring, and sharing with loved ones—a true culinary hug. Give it a try, and trust me, it might just become your new favorite for any special occasion or cozy night in!