BBQ Short Ribs with Creamy Mac and Cheese and Roasted Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).

• 3 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Seasoned short ribs from step 1

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs

Return the short ribs to the pot. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Add enough water or beef broth to almost cover the ribs. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.

• Seared short ribs from step 2
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Water or beef broth (as needed)

Step 5: Cook the Short Ribs

Braise in the oven for 3-3.5 hours, or until the short ribs are very tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

• Braising short ribs from step 4

Step 6: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

While the short ribs are braising, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Step 8: Add Cheese to Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 8 ounces Gruyere cheese (shredded)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Step 9: Combine Mac and Cheese

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

• Cooked macaroni from step 6
• Cheese sauce from step 8

Step 10: Prepare the Asparagus

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Step 11: Roast the Asparagus

Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

• Prepared asparagus from step 10

Step 12: Assemble and Serve

If desired, top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown. Serve the BBQ short ribs over a bed of creamy mac and cheese, alongside the roasted asparagus.

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• Braised short ribs from step 5
• Creamy mac and cheese from step 9
• Roasted asparagus from step 11