3 Comforting Ways to Cook Jacob’s Ladder Beef Short Ribs

Jacob’s Ladder beef short ribs are one of those cuts that truly come into their own with time. Rich, flavoursome and beautifully tender when slow cooked, this 600g pack is perfect for comforting family meals — especially during colder, wetter months.

Below are three easy, versatile recipes that show just how far this cut can go, from casual weeknight dinners to slow-cooked weekend favourites.

1. Pulled Beef Sandwiches with Sticky BBQ Sauce

A relaxed, crowd-pleasing option that works brilliantly for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Cooking Equipment

• Large casserole pot or slow cooker

• Frying pan

• Forks (for pulling beef)

Ingredients

• 600g Jacob’s Ladder beef short ribs

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 250ml beef stock

• Salt & pepper

For the BBQ sauce:

• 4 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

To serve:

• Soft rolls or brioche buns

• Slaw or pickles (optional)

Method

1. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a casserole pot and brown the ribs on all sides.

2. Remove the beef, then soften the onion and garlic in the same pot.

3. Return the beef, add stock, cover, and cook at 160°C for 3–3.5 hours (or slow cook on low for 7–8 hours).

4. Once tender, remove the beef and pull apart using forks.

5. Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a pan, simmer gently for 5 minutes, then stir through the pulled beef.

6. Serve piled high in rolls with slaw or pickles.

2. Slow-Cooked Beef with Mash, Veg & Proper Gravy

Classic, comforting and perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Cooking Equipment

• Large casserole pot

• Saucepan (for mash & gravy)

• Potato masher

Ingredients

• 600g Jacob’s Ladder beef short ribs

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 celery stick, chopped

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 500ml beef stock

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper

For the mash & veg:

• Potatoes (peeled and chopped)

• Butter & milk

• Seasonal vegetables (carrots, greens, or peas)

Method

1. Brown the seasoned beef in oil in a casserole pot, then set aside.

2. Soften onion, carrot and celery. Stir in flour, then gradually add stock.

3. Return beef to the pot, add thyme, cover and cook at 160°C for 3 hours.

4. Cook potatoes, mash with butter and milk until smooth.

5. Remove beef from the sauce, shred gently if desired, and simmer the cooking liquor to thicken into gravy.

6. Serve the beef over mash with vegetables and plenty of gravy.

3. Red Wine & Tomato Braised Beef with Creamy Polenta

Something a little different, rich and warming with a Mediterranean feel.

Cooking Equipment

• Heavy casserole dish

• Saucepan (for polenta)

Ingredients

• 600g Jacob’s Ladder beef short ribs

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 200ml red wine

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & pepper

For the polenta:

• 150g quick-cook polenta

• 600ml stock

• Butter & grated cheese (optional)

Method

1. Brown the seasoned beef in oil, then remove from the pot.

2. Soften onion and garlic, add tomato purée, then pour in red wine and reduce slightly.

3. Add tomatoes and bay leaf, return beef, cover and cook at 160°C for 3–3.5 hours.

4. Cook polenta according to packet instructions, stirring in butter and cheese if using.

5. Serve the tender beef with its rich sauce spooned over creamy polenta.

Why Jacob’s Ladder Works So Well

This cut rewards patience. Slow cooking transforms it into deeply flavoured, tender beef that stretches across multiple meals and styles — ideal for family cooking, batch meals, or relaxed entertaining.

If you’re looking for maximum flavour, versatility and value, Jacob’s Ladder deserves a place in your next order.