This super tender slow cooker beef short ribs dish is a winner! The meat is juicy and falls right off the bone. Plus, it’s easy to make, which is always a bonus!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work. Just season, set it, and let it cook! Perfect for busy days. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish! Look for bone-in short ribs as they add more flavor. If you can’t find short ribs, you could use chuck roast; it’s a great alternative and will become just as tender.
Red Wine: This adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, feel free to substitute it with extra beef broth. For a different flavor, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work too!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are amazing, but if you have dried versions at home, they work just fine! Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb instead of fresh.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth elevates the flavor! But store-bought works well too. If you need a low-sodium option, that’s available too, particularly useful if you’re watching your salt intake.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing My Ribs?
Searing the ribs adds a wonderful depth of flavor due to the browning process. It’s an important step you want to take your time with. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the olive oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches, leaving space for proper browning.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. This caramelization locks in flavors!
Trust me, taking this extra step of searing makes a big difference in the final results!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you just let it cook in the slow cooker! You can either set it on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper all over. This adds flavor to the meat right from the start!
2. Sear the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs in batches and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step helps to lock in all those delicious juices! Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and starting to brown. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Cooking Liquid:
Pour in the red wine (if you’re using it) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to mix it well.
5. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the flavorful mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. Now add the fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, chopped carrots, and celery on top.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is wonderfully tender and falling off the bone. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Final Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems. They’ve done their job!
8. Prepare the Sauce (Optional):
If you want a thicker sauce, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until it thickens to your liking.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender short ribs with the sauce drizzled over the top. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or some warm crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting meal!
This recipe yields incredibly tender beef short ribs with rich, savory flavors that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs! Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and searing. The best way to thaw is overnight in the refrigerator or using the cold water method in a sealed bag.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor. Both options work beautifully in this recipe!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the short ribs and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Further?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember to cook it for another few minutes to remove any starchy taste!
