Short Ribs over Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Slow cooked beef short ribs and gravy over cheddar mashed potatoes is a very special meal and should be shared with friends and family. A side of barely steamed broccoli is perfect with this dish. Feeling inspired by the lovely Angie who blogs on Big Bears Wife. Thanks to our wonderful friends Gina and Sean for the gorgeous hydrangeas and for sharing this meal with us at extremely short notice.

3-4 lbs beef short ribs

1 Tbsp avocado oil

¼ cup flour

1 tsp onion powder

¼ tsp salt and pepper

1 quart beef broth

1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes

½  tsp thyme, dried

1 cup onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp flour

½ cup water

Mix the flour, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Dredge ribs on all sides in the flour mix. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet and brown ribs on all sides, 1-2 minutes a side, over medium-high heat. Place in a slow cooker along with any flour seasonings or fat and yummy browned bits left over from the skillet. Pour in the broth, tomatoes, thyme, onion, garlic & worcestershire. Cook on high for 6 hours. Mix the flour, tomato paste, and water in a glass whisk into a slurry and pour into the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking time to get an amazing gravy-like consistency. When finished, remove the ribs and use paper towels to defat the top of the gravy (This could also be made a day ahead and refrigerated, the fat could then be easily scraped off). Place a ladleful of gravy and a rib on top of the cheddar mashed potatoes.

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tsp salt, or to taste

Boil the potatoes over medium-high heat in a stockpot covered with water until tender. Place cream cheese, butter, cheese shreds, and salt in a stand mixer. Remove cooked potatoes with a slotted spoon into the mixing bowl. Beat until fluffy and there are no more lumps.

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