Mexican Short Ribs

The rich, bold taste of these Mexican Short Ribs makes this dish an absolute showstopper for any occasion. Slowly braised with chipotle, garlic, and spices, the meat becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth. The savory, slightly smoky sauce clings to every bite, delivering a symphony of flavor that brings the warmth and depth of traditional Mexican cuisine right to your plate.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re hosting guests who appreciate bold, slow-cooked dishes, this recipe promises to be unforgettable. Serve it over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or warm tortillas to soak up every drop of the incredible sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, chopped

• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce

• 1 cup beef stock

• 1/2 cup tomato puree

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and black pepper.

3. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.

4. In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened. Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in tomato paste, chipotle chili, adobo sauce, beef stock, tomato puree, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and bay leaf. Mix well.

6. Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce.

7. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

8. Skim off any excess fat from the surface. Serve the ribs with rice, mashed potatoes, or tortillas, spooning plenty of sauce over the top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Mexican Short Ribs: A Slow-Cooked Masterpiece Full of Flavor and Tradition

A Flavor-Packed Homestyle Dish

Mexican Short Ribs are the epitome of comfort food fused with bold Latin flavors. This recipe brings together tender, fall-off-the-bone beef with a deep, smoky chipotle-infused sauce that’s both hearty and robust. The dish is slow-braised, allowing every rich ingredient to meld perfectly into the meat, which becomes succulent and flavorful with each passing hour in the oven.

What sets this recipe apart is its meticulous layering of spices and textures. The short ribs are seared to develop a crust that locks in juices before being braised in a vibrant tomato and beef broth blend. Ingredients like chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika, and cumin enhance the profile with their earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet undertones. This method ensures a balance of heat, smokiness, and depth that feels authentic to Mexican cuisine.

Why This Recipe is Special

Mexican Short Ribs aren’t just a dish; they’re an experience. From the aromatic sizzle as the beef hits the hot pan to the bubbling sound of the sauce as it simmers low and slow in the oven, the entire process is culinary therapy. This is a dish that asks for time and attention but pays it back tenfold in flavor and satisfaction.

It’s also incredibly versatile. While the recipe is based on traditional slow-braising techniques, it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can turn up the heat with extra chipotle, mellow it out with more tomato purée, or even add a splash of dark beer or red wine for added complexity. The result is always mouthwatering.

Perfect for Entertaining or Family Gatherings

This recipe is ideal when you’re hosting guests and want to serve something unforgettable. It’s equally suitable for a quiet weekend dinner that calls for something a little more indulgent and soul-warming. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table long before it’s time to eat. Once served, the silky sauce and melt-in-your-mouth texture speak for themselves.

You can serve Mexican Short Ribs in various ways—alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or inside warm tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and lime. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, bringing comfort and bold flavors together in every bite.

A Great Make-Ahead Meal

This dish is also make-ahead friendly. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can braise the ribs the day before your gathering and simply reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop when it’s time to serve. The leftovers—if there are any—can be shredded and used for tacos, sandwiches, or even mixed into pasta for a quick fusion meal.

Having this kind of flexibility is invaluable for busy home cooks who want to enjoy gourmet-style meals without the stress of last-minute preparation.

A Nutrient-Rich Hearty Meal

Beef short ribs are a rich source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making them a nourishing addition to your diet when enjoyed in moderation. Combined with the antioxidant-rich tomatoes, garlic, and spices used in the braising liquid, this dish not only satisfies the palate but contributes to a wholesome, balanced meal.

By opting for a homemade version of this dish, you also avoid the excessive sodium and preservatives often found in store-bought or restaurant-made alternatives, giving you full control over what goes into your food.

Cultural Influence and Heritage

This dish draws influence from the deep culinary traditions of Mexico, where braised meats and robust sauces are staples. It showcases the country’s love for slow-cooked meals that are unhurried, complex, and designed to nourish both the body and soul. The use of chipotle peppers, cumin, and paprika reflects a time-honored combination that’s been passed down through generations, adapted here with a modern twist to suit today’s home kitchens.

Mexican Short Ribs are part of a broader culinary legacy that appreciates bold flavor, warmth, and the importance of gathering around a shared table. When you make this dish, you’re not just feeding people—you’re connecting with a tradition that values the beauty of slow food and intentional cooking.

Reasons to Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s straightforward despite its gourmet appeal—requiring only basic cooking techniques. Second, it’s adaptable for different serving styles: over grains, vegetables, or bread. Third, the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find grocery items, making it accessible for most home cooks.

More than that, it delivers that satisfying feeling of creating something truly special. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor every bite with those around you.

Tips for Success

For the best results, always sear the short ribs well before braising to develop a deep crust and enhance the flavor of the sauce. Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even cooking and retention of heat. Be patient with the cook time—low and slow is the key to maximum tenderness.

To reduce excess fat, skim the top of the sauce with a spoon once cooking is complete, or refrigerate and remove the solidified fat layer the next day. If you want to add brightness, stir in a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh herbs just before serving.

Possible Variations

While the traditional version uses beef short ribs, you can also experiment with boneless beef chuck or even lamb shanks for a twist. For a lighter version, use less oil and increase the tomato content. If you’re a fan of sweet-spicy combinations, consider adding a touch of honey or a few chopped dried apricots to the braising liquid. You can also incorporate beans or corn for a more stew-like variation that leans toward chili.

For spice lovers, doubling the chipotle or adding a jalapeño can elevate the heat profile. If you’re serving kids or prefer a milder version, reduce the chipotle to a half or replace it entirely with a sweet smoked paprika.

Conclusion

Mexican Short Ribs are more than just a dinner—they’re a culinary journey into the heart of comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying home-cooked food. With its tender meat, rich sauce, and versatile presentation options, this dish is a staple you’ll want to return to again and again.

Whether you’re new to braising or a seasoned home cook, this recipe promises consistently delicious results. It’s simple enough for a casual meal yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of ingredients tells a flavorful story that honors tradition while welcoming creativity.

From the first sizzle to the final, fall-apart forkful, Mexican Short Ribs prove that great food takes time—and that time is always worth it.