Short Rib Grilled Cheese Recipe

Updated on September 15th, 2025

This short rib grilled cheese recipe takes a classic sandwich and makes it even better with slow-braised beef and melted cheese. Tender short ribs are cooked with wine and vegetables until rich and flavorful, then layered between slices of buttery bread. The cheese melts into the meat, holding everything together in each bite. It’s a cozy meal that feels hearty, easy to enjoy, and perfect when you want something comforting and filling.

Why this recipe works

• Slow braise: The beef short ribs are cooked low and slow, which develops deep, savory flavors that make the sandwich hearty and satisfying.
• Cheese melt: Using white American or Monterey Jack ensures the cheese melts evenly, creating a creamy layer that ties everything together.
• Flavor base: The red wine, broth, and vegetables create a rich cooking liquid that infuses the short ribs with extra depth and complexity.
• Texture balance: The crispy golden bread contrasts perfectly with the tender meat and melted cheese, creating a sandwich with multiple textures.
• Make-ahead friendly: Short ribs can be braised in advance, making it easy to assemble and cook the sandwiches whenever you’re ready.

Serving suggestions

• Classic combo: Pair with crispy French fries and a simple pickle spear for the ultimate diner-style meal that feels both comforting and fun.
• Soup pairing: Serve alongside tomato soup for a warm, hearty combination that enhances the cheesy richness of the sandwich.
• Party option: Cut into halves or quarters and serve as sliders for gatherings where bite-sized comfort food always disappears quickly.
• Gourmet touch: Add caramelized onions or a drizzle of aioli on the side for an elevated twist on the traditional grilled cheese.
• Casual dinner: Enjoy with a fresh salad of mixed greens and vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.

Short Rib Grilled Cheese Recipe

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Make the ultimate comfort food with this short rib grilled cheese recipe, a melty, savory sandwich loaded with slow-braised beef and gooey cheese.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 pounds beef short ribs
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 large carrots (peeled and coarsely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 1/4 cups dry red wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup medium-dry sherry
• 2 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large fresh thyme sprig

Other-

• butter (for spreading)
• 16 slices country-style white bread
• 16 slices white American cheese (or Monterey jack)

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle the short ribs with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, cook the short ribs until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side in each batch. Remove the short ribs and transfer to a plate.
2. Add the celery, carrots, and onion to the pot and sauté until beginning to soften and brown while stirring often (about 5 minutes). Add the wine, broth, Sherry, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme sprig. Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits off of the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Return the ribs to the pot, propping up on the sides and arranging in the single layer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Turn the ribs over in the pot. Cover and simmer until the ribs are tender and the sauce is very thick, about 1 ½ hour longer. Uncover and cook for 30 minutes. Transfer the ribs to a work surface. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Remove the meat from the bones of the short ribs. Discard the bones. Cut the meat into ¾ to 1-inch pieces, trimming any fat. Return the meat to the pot.
4. Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Top each bread slice with 1 slice of American cheese and some of the chopped short ribs. Top the short ribs with another slice of American cheese. Top with the remaining bread slice.
5. Heat a large skillet to medium-low heat. Place sandwiches into the skillet butter side down. Spread butter on the top of each sandwich. Cook over medium-low heat for about 6-8 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Turn the sandwiches and cook for 5-6 minutes longer or golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 1585
• Sugar: 5.3 g
• Sodium: 680.6 mg
• Fat: 38.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 210.4 g
• Protein: 91.9 g
• Cholesterol: 261.8 mg