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### Instructions
**1. Prepare the BBQ Glazed Short Ribs:**
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the BBQ sauce, honey (if using), apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Return the short ribs to the skillet and coat them in the BBQ glaze.
Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or foil, and place it in the oven. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. Halfway through, you can baste the ribs with the sauce for extra flavor.
**2. Make the Mac & Cheese:**
While the short ribs are baking, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
For an extra touch, you can transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
**3. Prepare the Roasted Vegetables:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the vegetables. Toss the broccoli florets and sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
**4. Make the Coleslaw:**
While everything else is cooking, prepare the coleslaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve! Plate the tender BBQ glazed short ribs alongside a generous scoop of creamy mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and a side of crunchy coleslaw. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the ribs if you like, and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
### Tips for Perfect BBQ Glazed Short Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Sides
1. **Slow and Low Cooking for Tender Ribs:**
The key to tender short ribs is slow cooking at a low temperature. Don’t rush the process—let the ribs cook slowly in the oven so the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
2. **Customize the BBQ Sauce:**
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or experiment with homemade versions. Adding honey or brown sugar will give the sauce a nice balance of sweet and savory, while adding a little more vinegar will bring in extra tang.
3. **Make Ahead:**
Both the mac and cheese and coleslaw can be made ahead of time. For the mac and cheese, you can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. The coleslaw can also be made a few hours ahead and chilled, which will allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Use Leftover Ribs for Sandwiches:**
If you happen to have leftover ribs, they make fantastic sandwiches. Simply shred the meat and pile it onto a bun with some extra BBQ sauce and slaw for an easy, delicious lunch the next day.
5. **Perfect Roasted Vegetables:**
If you want to add more vegetables to your sides, feel free to experiment. Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini all roast beautifully and make excellent additions to the plate.
### Why BBQ Glazed Short Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Sides is a Must-Try
This dish combines all the best elements of comfort food into one incredible meal. The smoky, tender short ribs are paired with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, all rounded out by flavorful roasted vegetables and refreshing coleslaw. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a family dinner, this meal will not only satisfy but also create lasting memories.
**BBQ Glazed Short Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Sides** is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.
### Conclusion
**BBQ Glazed Short Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Sides** is the epitome of hearty, delicious comfort food. With tender short ribs glazed in BBQ sauce, creamy mac and cheese, and flavorful sides, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone smiling. Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or any occasion where you want to indulge in something truly satisfying, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
