🥩🧈 Super Low Carb Carnivore Beef Short Ribs in Cream Gravy
Rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying, these Super Low Carb Carnivore Beef Short Ribs in Cream Gravy are slow-braised until they’re fork-tender, then finished in a luxurious cream gravy made from the flavorful pan drippings. With only a handful of animal-based ingredients, this recipe is ideal for strict carnivore eaters while remaining naturally keto-friendly.
Whether you’re serving them for a cozy Sunday dinner or preparing meals for the week, these short ribs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super low carb (about 2g net carbs per serving)
Carnivore and keto friendly
Rich, creamy gravy
Fall-off-the-bone tender
Perfect for meal prep
One-pot comfort food
High in protein and healthy fats
Naturally gluten-free
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Carnivore, Keto
🛒 Ingredients
Short Ribs
4 pounds beef short ribs
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (omit for strict carnivore if desired)
2 tablespoons beef tallow or butter
Cream Gravy
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups beef bone broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a richer gravy)
1 teaspoon unflavored beef gelatin (optional, for extra body)
Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
Crispy beef bacon
Shaved Parmesan
Melted butter
🍳 Equipment Needed
Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot
Tongs
Whisk
Measuring cups
Meat thermometer
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.
Season generously with salt and black pepper (if using).
Step 2: Sear
Heat the beef tallow or butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the short ribs for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Braise
Pour the beef bone broth into the pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
Return the short ribs to the Dutch oven.
Cover tightly with a lid.
Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Step 4: Make the Cream Gravy
Transfer the cooked ribs to a serving platter and keep warm.
Place the Dutch oven over medium heat.
Whisk in:
Butter
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
If using, whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
For an even silkier gravy, sprinkle in the gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved.
Taste and adjust with additional salt if needed.
Step 5: Finish
Return the short ribs to the gravy.
Simmer gently for 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meat.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the ribs generously covered with the cream gravy.
Top with crispy beef bacon, shaved Parmesan, or a drizzle of melted butter if desired.
💡 Tips for Success
Brown the Meat Well
A deep, golden-brown sear creates a richer, more flavorful gravy.
Cook Low and Slow
The long braise allows the collagen in the ribs to break down, creating exceptionally tender meat.
Don’t Boil the Cream
Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from separating.
Let the Ribs Rest
Resting the ribs for 5–10 minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Garlic Butter Version (Keto)
Whisk 2 teaspoons of roasted garlic into the gravy for extra flavor.
Blue Cheese Cream Gravy
Replace the Parmesan with ½ cup crumbled blue cheese for a bold, steakhouse-style sauce.
Extra Rich
Stir in 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese just before serving.
Strict Carnivore Version
Use only:
Beef short ribs
Beef tallow
Beef bone broth
Butter
Heavy cream (if included in your carnivore approach)
Salt
Omit pepper, Parmesan, and cream cheese if following a more restrictive version.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Carnivore
Butter-fried eggs
Crispy beef bacon
Cheese crisps
Bone marrow
Scrambled eggs
Keto
Cauliflower mash
Roasted broccoli
Garlic butter asparagus
Creamed spinach
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Last weekend, I served these short ribs over creamy cauliflower mash with a side of buttered asparagus. The rich gravy paired perfectly with the vegetables, making for a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the ribs and gravy together for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or bone broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 710
Protein: 44g
Fat: 57g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 2g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Sodium: 560mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the ribs first, then cook them with the bone broth on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours. Prepare the cream gravy on the stovetop after the ribs are done.
Can I use boneless short ribs?
Absolutely. Boneless short ribs cook a little faster, so begin checking for tenderness after about 2½ hours in the oven.
Why is my gravy too thin?
Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or whisk in a small amount of unflavored beef gelatin to naturally thicken it without adding carbohydrates.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes. The flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Is this recipe keto?
Yes. With approximately 2 grams of net carbs per serving, it’s well suited for keto and low-carb eating plans.
💚 Final Thoughts
These Super Low Carb Carnivore Beef Short Ribs in Cream Gravy are the definition of comfort food. Slow-braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender and coated in a velvety, savory cream gravy, they’re an indulgent meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re following a carnivore or keto lifestyle, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for special occasions and cozy family dinners.
