The Best Bison Short Rib Recipe for a Rich, Tender Alberta Meal

July 2026
Health, News, Recipes

When you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, impressive, and packed with flavour, it’s hard to beat slow-cooked bison short ribs. At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, our premium bison short ribs are one of our favourite cuts because they transform into incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection with just a little patience.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday family dinner, hosting friends, or simply looking to try something different from traditional beef, this bison short rib recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.

Why Choose Bison Short Ribs?

Bison offers a rich, slightly sweet flavour that’s often compared to beef but with a cleaner finish. Because bison is naturally leaner, it’s important to cook cuts like short ribs low and slow. Braising allows the connective tissue to break down while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Our bison is raised right here in Alberta using responsible ranching practices, resulting in exceptional flavour and quality you can taste in every bite. We carefully source and butcher every cut to ensure you’re getting premium meat from ranch to table.

Slow Braised Bison Short Rib Recipe

Ingredients

4-5 lbs True Grit Buffalo Ranch bison short ribs
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef or bison stock
1 cup dry red wine (optional)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Season and Sear

Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Flavour

Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 8 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.

Pour in the wine (if using), scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

3. Braise Low and Slow

Return the ribs to the pot so they’re mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cover and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the meat is fork tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

4. Finish and Serve

Remove the herbs and skim any excess fat from the surface.

Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted root vegetables. Spoon plenty of the rich braising sauce over top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Cooking Bison Short Ribs

Because bison is naturally lean, avoid cooking it at high temperatures for extended periods. Braising keeps the meat moist while creating incredible depth of flavour.

For even better results:

Let the ribs come to room temperature before cooking.
Don’t skip the searing step—it builds a richer sauce.
Make the recipe a day ahead if possible. The flavours become even better overnight.
Pair with roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or fresh crusty bread.

Why Buy Your Bison from True Grit Buffalo Ranch?

At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we’re passionate about producing premium Alberta bison that’s raised with care and respect. Our short ribs are cut from high-quality animals and are perfect for slow cooking, smoking, or braising into unforgettable meals.

Shopping with us is easy. You can order your bison online, and we offer convenient weekly delivery to:

Edmonton and surrounding areas
Calgary
Red Deer

Simply place your order before Thursday at 4 PM to receive delivery on Friday. We also offer pickup from our ranch near Sherwood Park for local customers.

contribute to Alberta’s agricultural community.

Bring Alberta Bison to Your Dinner Table

If you’ve never cooked bison short ribs before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavour, they’re a delicious way to experience the quality of locally raised Alberta bison.

Browse our selection of premium bison cuts online, stock your freezer with locally raised meat, and discover why more Alberta families are choosing True Grit Buffalo Ranch for healthy, flavourful meals delivered right to their door.

A few simple tips can help achieve excellent results:

Avoid overcooking.
Use medium to medium-high heat.
Allow the meat to rest before serving.
Keep seasonings simple.
Let the natural flavour shine.

With just a little attention, bison delivers exceptional results on virtually any grill.