Description
Craving a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s rich, savory, and perfect for a special dinner? Mississippi Beef Short Ribs combine tender boneless short ribs with a bold seasoning mix, tangy pepperoncini, and a luscious, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Mississippi Beef Short Ribs use pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create their signature bold, tangy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes sweet, oniony notes.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed: Brings a fresh, herbaceous touch.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds earthy, piney flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes subtle herbal complexity.
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Provides a savory, umami boost.
Short Ribs:
- 2 ½ pounds boneless beef short ribs: The tender, flavorful star of the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: For seasoning the beef.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Creates a sweet, savory base for the sauce.
- ⅓ cup sliced fresh mushrooms: Adds earthy umami.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- ⅔ cup chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances umami depth.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy, savory complexity.
- 6 whole pepperoncini peppers: Provides tangy, mildly spicy flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Boneless Short Ribs: Become fork-tender and absorb the rich sauce during slow cooking.
- Seasoning Mix: Combines herbs and Parmesan for a unique, savory crust.
- Pepperoncini: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that defines the Mississippi-style flavor.
- Butter and Broth: Create a rich, velvety sauce that complements the beef.
Substitutions and Variations
- Short Ribs: Use bone-in short ribs (increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes) or chuck roast cut into chunks.
- Pepperoncini: Substitute with banana peppers or 1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice for milder flavor.
- Parmesan: Replace with grated Pecorino Romano or omit for a less cheesy flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based beef, vegetable broth, vegan butter, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ensure soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
- Spicy Short Ribs: Add ¼ teaspoon extra cayenne or 1 diced jalapeño with the onions.
- Mushroom-Free: Omit mushrooms and increase onions or add diced carrots for texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 2 ½ pounds boneless beef short ribs, salt, pepper, cayenne, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion, ⅓ cup sliced mushrooms, 1 tablespoon flour, ⅔ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 6 pepperoncini peppers, and ¼ cup unsalted butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the seasoning blend in a small bowl.
- Slice the onion, slice mushrooms, and pat the short ribs dry.
Tip: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels for better browning.
Step 2: Season and Sear Short Ribs
- Season 2 ½ pounds boneless short ribs with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add short ribs and sear until well browned, 3-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer short ribs to a baking dish and sprinkle evenly with the seasoning mix.
Tip: Sear in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good crust.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-high.
- Add 1 large sliced onion and ⅓ cup sliced fresh mushrooms to the skillet, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Sauté until mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Brown mushrooms well to enhance their umami flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the onion and mushrooms, stirring to coat.
- Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in ⅔ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir, scraping the pan to release browned bits, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
Tip: Stir constantly when adding flour to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Bake the Short Ribs
- Pour the onion-mushroom mixture over the short ribs in the baking dish.
- Add 6 whole pepperoncini peppers and place ¼ cup unsalted butter on top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the short ribs are fork-tender and fall apart easily, about 2 ½ hours.
Tip: Check tenderness after 2 hours; extend cooking time if needed for fall-apart texture.
Step 6: Serve
- Spoon sauce from the bottom of the pan over the short ribs.
- Skim off excess fat if desired.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (not included in ingredients but suggested for serving), garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tip: Serve immediately for the richest flavor and tenderest texture.