Braised beef short ribs are the epitome of "high end" comfort food. They can often be found on restaurant menus, cooked with classical French or Asian flavors and bearing a somewhat hefty price tag. I think many people have the misconception that they're pricey because they're technically difficult or labor-intensive to prepare, but those preconceived notions couldn't be father from the truth.
Yes, at the grocery store beef short ribs aren't as inexpensive as stew or braising meat, but getting the result of tender, succulent, fall-off-the bone meat is so worth extra cost. And this "fancy" restaurant dish can be prepared right in your own kitchen (culinary degree not required). Making braised short ribs at home is definitely worth the effort, and they are, in fact, pretty effortless to prepare. They even create their own sauce while they cook.
For a twist on this classic dish, I've put a Southwestern spin on it, using spices and flavors commonly found in Southwestern cuisine and — my favorite bit — tequila. Serve them on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or sweet corn polenta (as I've done) to soak up the flavorful, gravy-like sauce.