Ultimate Smoky Short Rib Sloppy Joes
Elevate your dinner game with these Ultimate Smoky Short Rib Sloppy Joes, where succulent, slow-cooked short ribs collide with a zesty and flavorful sauce. This isn't just your average Sloppy Joe; it's a hearty and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance. The rich flavors from smoked paprika, earthy beer, and a hint of cola come together in a symphony of bold tastes, all enveloped in tender, shredded beef. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, serve these on robust rolls with a side of crunchy coleslaw for a nostalgic yet gourmet twist on this American classic.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bone-in short ribs
2.5 lbs (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Medium Spanish onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
3-5 (minced)
Smoked paprika
1.5 tablespoons
Chili powder
1.5 teaspoons
Cumin
0.5 teaspoon
Coriander
0.5 teaspoon
Tomato paste
0.5 cup
Cola
0.5 cup
Beer (earthy like a Scottish Ale)
0.5 cup
Ketchup
0.5 cup
Soy sauce
0.25 cup
Chicken broth
2 cups (homemade is best)
Substantial rolls
5-10
Instructions
1
1. Begin by warming a splash of olive oil in a cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bone-in short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until a deep, rich char develops. Once done, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly, and preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
2. In the same pot, add the thinly sliced Spanish onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and glossy, stirring occasionally. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and coriander, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spices release their fragrant aromas.
3
3. Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to bubble and slightly brown. This step is crucial for developing an earthy, smoky flavor base for the sauce. Next, pour in the cola and beer—remember, you can enjoy any extra beer while you cook! Add ketchup and soy sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
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4. Now, return the seared short ribs to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer again for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once simmered, cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven for 3 hours, allowing the meat to become fork-tender and infused with flavor.
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5. After 3 hours, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Take out the short ribs and place them on a cutting board, letting them cool for a few minutes before shredding them into bite-sized pieces, similar to pulled pork. Be sure to spoon out some of the excess fat that has rendered in the sauce.
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6. Finally, return the shredded beef to the Dutch oven and stir to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve your flavorful Sloppy Joes on sturdy rolls, adding coleslaw on top for an optional crunch and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Smoky Short Rib Sloppy Joes?
They are a gourmet twist on the classic American Sloppy Joe, featuring slow-cooked, succulent bone-in short ribs in a zesty, flavorful, and smoky sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2.5 lbs of bone-in short ribs, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How long does it take to cook the short ribs in the oven?
The short ribs need to braise in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 3 hours until they are fork-tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
Why do you sear the short ribs first?
Searing the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side develops a deep, rich char that adds significant flavor to the final dish.
What kind of onions are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two medium Spanish onions, thinly sliced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You should use 3 to 5 minced garlic cloves depending on your preference.
What gives the sauce its smoky flavor?
The smoky profile comes from 1.5 tablespoons of smoked paprika combined with chili powder and the braising liquid.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is cooked for 2-3 minutes to allow it to brown, creating an earthy and smoky flavor base for the sauce.
Why is cola used in the recipe?
Cola adds a hint of sweetness and depth that complements the beef and the smoky spices in the sauce.
What kind of beer works best for this dish?
The recipe suggests an earthy beer, specifically a Scottish Ale, to add richness to the braising liquid.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 2 cups of chicken broth, and using homemade broth is recommended for the best results.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 10 servings.
What should I do with the short ribs after they finish braising?
Remove them from the pot, let them cool slightly, and then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, removing the bones.
How do I handle the excess fat in the sauce?
After the 3-hour braise, you should use a spoon to remove the excess fat that has rendered into the sauce before adding the meat back in.
What type of rolls should I use for serving?
Use substantial or sturdy rolls that can hold up to the heavy, saucy shredded beef without falling apart.
What is a recommended topping for these Sloppy Joes?
Adding crunchy coleslaw on top is recommended for extra freshness and a nostalgic texture.
Are there any specific spices used other than paprika?
Yes, the spice blend includes 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of cumin, and 0.5 teaspoon of coriander.
How much soy sauce is included in the sauce?
The recipe uses 0.25 cup of soy sauce to add savory depth.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The sauce includes 0.5 cup of ketchup.
What equipment is needed to cook this recipe?
A cast iron Dutch oven is recommended for both the stovetop searing and the oven braising.
How long do you sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and glossy.
Can I use a different type of broth?
While chicken broth is specified, you could use beef broth if preferred for a deeper beef flavor.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It is described as zesty and flavorful due to the chili powder and paprika, but it is more smoky and savory than heat-heavy.
How long should the mixture simmer before going into the oven?
The liquid and meat mixture should simmer together for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld before baking.
Should the shredded beef be cooked further after being returned to the pot?
Yes, return the shredded beef to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer on the stovetop to coat the meat thoroughly.
What tags describe this meal?
This dish is categorized as comfort food, an American classic, a hearty meal, and a gourmet sandwich.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end of the process?
Yes, after the beef is shredded and returned to the sauce, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
What makes this 'Ultimate' compared to regular Sloppy Joes?
Unlike traditional versions using ground beef, this uses slow-braised, shredded short ribs and a complex sauce featuring beer and cola.
Can I enjoy the beer while cooking?
Yes, as the instructions humorously note, you can enjoy any extra beer while you cook!