Short ribs and mashed potatoes is a classic comfort food combination that brings people together for cozy dinners. The rich, beefy short ribs pair perfectly with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. But what should you serve alongside this savory duo to round out the meal? There are lots of delicious options for side dishes that complement these two stars of the plate.
What are short ribs?
Short ribs are cut from the ribs of a cow, usually with sections of attached flank or chuck meat. They contain a high ratio of tender, marbled meat to bone, which is what gives them their signature rich flavor and tender texture when braised or cooked low and slow. The connective tissue in the meat breaks down into luscious collagen and gelatin that bastes each juicy bite. Short ribs can be prepared bone-in or boneless and cut either across the bone (English style) or parallel to it (flanken style).
Popular ways to cook short ribs include:
- Braising – Simmered slowly in liquid like stock, wine, or sauce
- Grilling – Seared over high heat and then finished gently
- Roasting – Roasted in the oven uncovered
- Stewing – Simmered with vegetables in flavorful broth
No matter how they are prepared, short ribs deliver that quintessential rich, beefy flavor in every delicious bite.
Why are mashed potatoes a perfect pair?
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side. When blended with butter and cream or milk, they become so irresistibly creamy, yet still have that downhome potato flavor. Mashed russet or Yukon gold potatoes pair especially well with short ribs because they balance out the richness of the meat. The fluffy potatoes are the ideal way to soak up the savory pan juices and sauces from the short ribs. Where the ribs are fall-apart tender, the creamy mashed potatoes provide pleasant contrast with their smooth, velvety texture. This classic duo just feels so cozy and satisfying.
Full Meal Side Dish Options
When serving short ribs and mashed potatoes, you will want to round out the meal with 1-2 more side dishes that complement this hearty duo. Here are some excellent options to consider:
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Halved and roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pairs beautifully.
- Glazed carrots – Tossed in honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup for sweet contrast to the savory ribs.
- Sauteed green beans – Quick sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Grilled asparagus – Simple and delicious with just olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bread Side
- Dinner rolls – Light and fluffy rolls for sopping up sauces.
- Cornbread – Southern style cornbread complements short ribs perfectly.
- Focaccia bread – Hearty Italian style bread that pairs with many meals.
Starch Side
- Creamy polenta – Soft, creamy cornmeal is a nice alternative to potatoes.
- Butternut squash risotto – Short ribs pair great with the sweetness of butternut squash.
- Mac and cheese – Comforting and always a crowd pleaser.
Salad Side
- Caesar salad – Romaine lettuce and garlicky Caesar dressing help cut the richness.
- Wedge salad – Iceberg wedge with blue cheese dressing. Also helps balance the meal.
- Mixed greens salad – Simple salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Full Meal Menus
Putting together a cohesive menu featuring short ribs and mashed potatoes as the entree can help make planning easier. Here are some full meal menu ideas:
American Rustic Menu
- Braised Short Ribs
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Skillet Cornbread
- Chopped Salad
French Bistro Menu
- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Dinner Rolls with Butter
- Mixed Greens Salad
Tuscan Menu
- Rosemary Braised Short Ribs
- Creamy Polenta
- Grilled Asparagus
- Focaccia Bread
- Arugula and Shaved Parmesan Salad
Dessert Pairings
Short ribs and mashed potatoes make for such a savory, satisfying meal. Follow it up with something a bit sweet and decadent for dessert! Here are some excellent options:
- Molten lava cake – Rich, chocolatey cakes with gooey insides pair perfectly.
- Crème brûlée – The classic custard dessert with crispy caramelized topping.
- Sticky toffee pudding – Warm, sweet British dessert with sticky dates and syrup.
- Apple pie or cobbler – Warm fruit desserts make a nice fall pairing.
- Tiramisu – Tiramisu satisfies dessert cravings after a savory meal.
Cocktail Pairings
Sip on a delicious, full-bodied cocktail with short ribs to complement this boldly flavored meat. Here are some excellent cocktail pairings:
- Whiskey Sour – Whiskey’s caramel notes pair gorgeously with the short ribs.
- Manhattan – Strong cocktail where the whiskey stands up to the dish.
- Old Fashioned – Another whiskey classic that complements short ribs.
- Negroni – Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for an herbaceous cocktail.
- Boulevardier – Similar to a Negroni but with whiskey instead of gin.
Of course, a nice full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec is always a great choice as well.
Conclusion
Short ribs and mashed potatoes offer endless possibilities for rounding out a delicious, hearty meal. By choosing complementary vegetable sides, breads, starches, and salads you can put together a mouthwatering menu. Top it off with the perfect dessert, cocktail, or wine pairing for an indulgent feast. With so many excellent options for sides and pairings, you’ll look forward to a cozy dinner featuring this classic duo of short ribs and creamy mashed potatoes.