Bourbon Braised Short Ribs with Honey and Fig Mac and Cheese

These Bourbon Braised Short Ribs with Honey and Fig Mac and Cheese recipe is your newest indulgent dinner. Tender short ribs and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich cheese sauce featuring honey and fig cheese and chevre!

Short Ribs made in Dutch Oven

This Honey Bourbon Short Ribs recipe will satisfy your craving for comfort food. Every time. Slowly braised beef short ribs in bourbon paired with a rich honey and fig mac and cheese is a grown-up version of a classic food that is begging to devoured! It’s short rib mac and cheese for grown-ups.

Ingredients needed:

• Olive Oil – this is used to sear the short ribs before cooking.
• Short Ribs – look for bone-in short ribs that are well-marbled for the best texture.
• Onion – sautéing onion with the short ribs helps create a flavor base for the whole dish.
• Honey Bourbon, Honey, Beef Stock – these three ingredients come together to create our braising liquid. 
• Salt and Pepper – you’ll season the meat with salt and pepper before braising. 
• Pasta – you can use any smaller pasta shape you like.
• Butter and Flour – forms a roux that helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream and Milk – creates a rich and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Honey and Fig Cheese – yes, it’s fancy but it’s worth it!
• Chevre – the goat cheese adds a delicious tang that cuts the sweetness of the honey.
• Worcestershire Sauce – rounds out the sweet creaminess with its salty flavor.

How to make this recipe

Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides and place them into the braiser. Add the onions. Brown the ribs on all sides.

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Deglaze the pan with bourbon. Stir in the honey and beef stock. Place the lid on the Dutch oven, transfer the whole pot to the oven, and cook for 45 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for another 20 minutes. 

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While the ribs are cooking, prepare the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

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In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute before whisking in the cream and milk. Stir in the cheese until melted through, then add the Worcestershire sauce.

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Once the ribs have cooked through, shred the meat from short ribs and discard the bones.

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Add the pasta and cheese sauce to the braiser. Toss to coat, season as needed, then serve!

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What does braising short ribs mean?

Braising is a two-part cooking process that is a whole lot less complicated than it sounds. It involves an initial sear that’s followed by a long, low, and slow cook time. 

The benefit to braising is meat with an all-around better flavor and texture. The initial sear gives the meat a crispy exterior while the longer, slower cook time tenderizes the meat and allows the flavor to really work its way in. 

Scientifically speaking, it allows the fibers to break down and softened under moist heat. Which is what makes the signature fork-tender bite.

Do you have to brown short ribs before braising?

Not necessarily, but since braising involves the searing step, you will no longer technically have “braised” meat. 

Searing the meat locks in flavor and creates a crust on the exterior of the meat. I definitely recommend taking the extra step. It’s so worth it!

What pasta to use for the honey fig mac and cheese

Any smaller pasta shape will work! Try shells, penne, fusilli, rotini, etc. I don’t recommend using larger/longer pasta shapes because those are much harder to mix with the cheese sauce.

What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Anything melty! When I make this recipe, I like to take the fancier route and indulge in a combination of honey and fig cheese and chevre, which is goat cheese. It’s a deliciously creamy, sweet, tangy, melty duo that’s hard to beat.

However, if you’d prefer to use something a little more mainstream, try sharp cheddar, gruyere, Monterey Jack, Swiss, gouda, or a combination. You can create a makeshift honey and fig cheese by adding chopped figs or a tablespoon of fig preserves.

Tips

• Cook the pasta al dente. Pasta with a little more structure holds up better in the creamy cheese sauce.
• Use low heat. Low heat allows the cheese time to melt without burning. 
• Add veggies. If you want to incorporate some extra nutrition into your meal, cook up some onion, peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms to mix into the mac and cheese.
• Serve immediately. Homemade mac and cheese is best served fresh!

Serving suggestions

This bourbon braised short ribs with honey and fig mac and cheese recipe is a two-in-one dinner that doesn’t really need a whole lot else to be a complete meal. However, you can round it out with a simple green salad or a pile of steamed or roasted veggies if desired!

How to store

Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave, or warm on the stove with a splash of milk to thin. I don’t recommend freezing homemade mac and cheese because the texture of the sauce will be affected.

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