One of my favorite holiday traditions hands DOWN is the annual dinner party we host for the same group of friends in the week leading up to Christmas. There’s something about that time that feels magical. Since I’m more interested in kicking back with my friends than standing around the stove all night, I’ve come to rely on a few standby recipes that feel special enough for the holidays but can be made entirely in advance. These are recipes that lend themselves to large-batch cooking for a crowd. Of the various dishes I’ve made through the years, it’s this sweet and spicy braised short rib recipe that’s become a near-permanent fixture on my menu.

The tail-end of the holiday season, just before it crescendos into full-on family time, lends itself to major festivity. Every year, we all bring our A-game and show up ready to let our hair down and pop open a bottle of bubbly. What better way to add to the celebration than by cooking up an exquisite meal that serves your whole crowd?

Why I Love This Braised Short Rib Recipe

For starters, short ribs are a cut of meat that feels made for serving a crowd. They allow you skip the big hunk of roast at the table. Instead, they’re already divided into individual portions that can easily be scooped onto a plate, ready to eat. They’re also luxuriously tender, with a richness that feels perfect for the holidays. I love to serve these easy short ribs with something creamy on the side. Good options include mashed sweet potatoes, polenta, or cauliflower mash. Each soaks up the short ribs’ velvety sauce. The end result is a delicious, red wine-infused flavor in every bite.

Tips for Making Short Ribs in Advance

Perhaps the best thing about this sweet and spicy braised short rib recipe is that it can be made almost completely in advance. It’s at its very best when made the day before! The flavors deepen over a few hours. When it’s time to eat, all that’s left to do is gently rewarm them on the stovetop.

The Perfect Cut for Braised Short Ribs

I ask my butcher to cut bone-in “English style” beef short ribs into 2 to 3-inch pieces. That way, there’s no additional butchering for me to do at home before seasoning and searing. Generally, I portion two pieces per person, give or take based on their appetite. You’ll love this easy braised short rib method that requires little more than chopping some veggies and throwing it all in the pot. The end result is so flavorful, fall-off-the-bone tender, and destined to become a keeper for all your holiday gatherings.

sweet and spicy braised short ribs plated_braised short rib recipe

How to Serve

As delicious as these short ribs are straight out of the oven, it’s the chimichurri that takes them over the top. I whip up a batch of this sauce all the time and keep it in the fridge for drizzling over meats, fish, and even pasta. Made with cilantro, parsley, garlic, and vinegar, it has that acidic punch that keeps the entire dish from feeling heavy.

And, since we eat with our eyes first, I love adding a few garnishes that bring color, flavor, and freshness. Just before serving, I tear more fresh herbs over the top, then scatter on some paper-thin red onion and lemon zest.

Happy holiday cooking!