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Here are 35 of the best side dishes for Braised Short Ribs! Imagine the enticing scent of slow-cooked braised short ribs filling the room, promising a feast that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. While these succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs take center stage, it’s the supporting cast of side dishes that truly completes meal. From hearty classics that complement the richness of the meat to colorful veggies that balance the meal, the right sides can transform a good meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Keep scrolling to see some of the best side dishes to pair with this your braised short ribs!
Braised short ribs are like the rockstars of comfort food. You’ve got beef ribs getting cozy in a flavorful hot tub of beef broth, wine (cabernet sauvignon or the wine of your choice – just make sure it’s something you would drink), fresh herbs, and all those yummy extras. Then it’s slow-cooking time, letting all those flavors mingle until the meat becomes crazy tender, practically falling off the bone. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but perfect for special occasions or a cozy Sunday night dinner!
Side Dishes For Braised Short Ribs (35 Tasty Ideas!)
Mashed Potatoes: In my humble opinion, you simply cannot have braised beef short ribs without Mashed Potatoes. Their smooth, silky, and extra creamy texture is the perfect base to soak up all of that gravy. If you want to make them ahead of time, try my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes!
Cauliflower Mash: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is creamy and pairs well with the richness of the ribs.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: If you love sweet potatoes, you’re going to love Mashed Sweet Potatoes! This is one of those side dishes that could go with literally any main dish and is so easy to make. Get that signature sweet flavor in a creamy, silky form.
Garlicky Sauteed Greens: Whether it’s spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, sautéed greens with garlic add a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the ribs.
Wedge Salad: This Wedge Salad recipe is the perfect side dish or starter to your braised short ribs meal. Made with iceberg lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, blue cheese, hard boiled egg, and drizzled with homemade blue cheese dressing and a balsamic reduction, you will fall in love with this traditional steakhouse salad.
Green Bean Casserole With Bacon: This creamy, crispy, bacon loaded Green Bean Casserole is everything you need and more in a side dish for your short ribs. It’s simply the best recipe, made from scratch!
Corn Casserole: Is there anything more comforting than a buttery and cheesy Corn Casserole? This slightly sweet and savory side dish is a 1-bowl, quick, fix it and forget it wonder that is a perfect side dish to serve with braised beef short ribs.
French Bread: Crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside loaf perfect for tearing apart and dunking in that delicious broth.
Dinner Rolls: These classic homemade Dinner Rolls are sure to be the best sidekick to your beef short ribs. Soft, light and pillowy, these rolls are made with all-purpose flour and honey. Serve with Roasted Garlic or Honey Butter.
Apple Pecan Salad: Apple Pecan Salad is made with crunchy, salty, and sweet ingredients all tossed together with a homemade balsamic dressing. Apples + Bacon + Pecans + Garlicky Balsamic goodness = one heck of a party in your mouth.
Roasted Cauliflower: This Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is a tasty, low-carb, simple side dish to throw together any day of the week. All you need is olive oil, salt, pepper and a little oven time to get the maximum caramelized, brown, super flavorful cauliflower.
Funeral Potatoes: Everyone has a recipe for this popular casserole! Here is my funeral potatoes recipe that I’ve been making for years and that has become a family favorite. Creamy, cheesy and onion-y. Perfect for braised short ribs.
Caesar Salad: A tasty, homemade salad topped with parmesan cheese, bacon and croutons. Drizzle with my homemade caesar salad dressing for the finished, delicious salad!
Potato Salad: This Creamy Potato Salad recipe is truly one of the best recipes I have. It’s such a crowd-pleasing classic in my book. Perfect for gatherings of any kind and easy to make well in advance.
Fondant Potatoes: Fondant Potatoes are deliciously crispy on top, chewy on bottom and pillowy soft inside. They’re that super fancy (but easy!) potato you want to add to your special beef short ribs dinner party.
Pan Fried Potatoes: Crispy, golden, little bites of heaven if you ask me! Seared in buttery goodness it’s one of the best potato side dishes out there.
Twice Baked Potatoes: Move over baked potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes are here! The cheesier, creamier, fancier, cooler cousin. Filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and chives, these are the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ratatouille: A medley of roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Garlic Bread: Did someone say Garlic Bread? Oh, mama, have I got the ultimate homemade Garlic Bread Recipe that you will love! Softened butter stirred together with fresh minced garlic, a few herbs, and two kinds of cheese with a little extra hit of garlic from garlic powder!
Broccoli or Broccolini: Steamed or roasted broccoli or broccolini is a nutritious and vibrant side dish option.
Roasted Acorn Squash: Cinnamon and nutmeg make this sweet Roasted Acorn Squash more of a seasonal dish while smoked paprika gives this an unexpected (but delicious) smoky flavor! And while you’ve got that oven cranked up, you may want to give my Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe a try.
Sautéed Mushrooms: A medley of sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy and savory element to complement the richness of the ribs. Throw them right in the pot with the beef so they can soak up all of those flavors.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: This Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms recipe is savory and cheesy, filled with a delicious sausage, panko and herb mixture with two kinds of cheese. Baked to golden bubbly perfection. Fancy enough for a dinner party, but will fly off your family dinner table as well.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: This super easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is the best way to have this vegetable side dish. A brown, crispy exterior with a tender middle. They are a perfect and simple accompaniment to braised beef short ribs.
Roasted Green Beans: Need a new way to enjoy green beans? Try Roasted Green Beans! Oven roasting is a quick and easy way to not only cook your vegetables but a great method for adding more flavor to any vegetable.
Yorkshire Pudding: A simple batter is whisked together and baked in hot beef drippings (or oil) in muffin tins. They are crispy, puffy and delicious!
Creamy Polenta: Its smooth texture and subtle corn flavor make it an excellent base to soak up those flavorful braising juices.
Cauliflower Au Gratin: Creamy and flavorful Cauliflower Au Gratin uses only a few simple ingredients and is an easy side dish for braised short ribs! Similar to Scalloped Potatoes but made with cauliflower, this low-carb, cheesy side dish is what dreams are made of.
Oven Roasted Asparagus: Simple and quick, this Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vegetable side dish! Easily prepared while your main dish is cooking.
Homemade Crescent Rolls: These Crescent Rolls are simple enough to make any weekday but fancy enough for your dinner party. They are the easiest recipe and require ZERO KNEADING! It’s a perfect, buttery roll that tastes simply amazing!
Colorful Carrot Salad: Crunchy, sweet, and zippy, this non-mayo Colorful Carrot Salad Recipe will be your new healthy, family-favorite side dish!
Risotto: Get this simple and basic recipe for Instant Pot Risotto. Tastes amazing on its own or add in some extras to make it special.
Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy, rich risotto infused with the sweetness of butternut squash makes for an elegant pairing with braised short ribs.
Vegetable Risotto: Vegetable Risotto is a light and comforting meal that you can have ready in no time! Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and you have a delicious side!
Choosing the perfect side dish for braised short ribs isn’t just about completing a meal; it’s about crafting an experience. The right accompaniment can elevate these succulent, slow-cooked ribs to an unforgettable dinner. Whether it’s the comforting embrace of creamy mashed potatoes, the vibrant medley of roasted vegetables, or the flavorful burst of an herb-infused side, each dish adds its own note to the symphony of flavors on your plate.
If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
