These beef short ribs are super tender and perfect for a cozy dinner. Just toss them in the slow cooker with some seasoning, and let the magic happen!
I love how easy this recipe is—no need to stand over the stove. After a few hours, you’ll have juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat that everyone will rave about!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish! Look for well-marbled short ribs, as the fat adds flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find short ribs, beef chuck or brisket can work as a substitute, but the cooking time may vary.
Beef Broth: It adds depth to the sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought. If you want to keep it lighter, vegetable broth is an option, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Red Wine: This ingredient adds richness. If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are wonderful for flavor. Dried herbs can be used as substitutes, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Brown Meat Perfectly?
Browning short ribs is key to developing flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high until hot.
- Add olive oil; it should shimmer when ready.
- Carefully place short ribs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Do it in batches if needed.
- Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until a nice crust forms.
- Transfer to the slow cooker when all sides are browned.
Taking this extra step really enhances the overall taste, so don’t skip it! Enjoy the cooking process!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 7-8 hours of slow cooking. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs that are simply irresistible!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper. This will add great flavor to the meat as it cooks.
2. Browning the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the short ribs in the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once browned, transfer the ribs to your slow cooker.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This step builds a delicious base for the sauce.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
Now stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5. Mixing it All Together:
Pour the sauce mixture over the browned short ribs in the slow cooker. Ensure the meat is well-coated with the sauce.
6. Adding Herbs:
Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. These herbs will infuse wonderful flavors into the dish as it cooks.
7. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. You know it’s ready when the meat is very tender and falling off the bone. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, remove the thyme sprigs, rosemary, and bay leaf from the slow cooker. They’ve done their job in flavoring the sauce!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the short ribs hot, spooning the delicious sauce over the top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method to thaw them more quickly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the short ribs and sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat everything in the slow cooker or on the stove until warmed through. Just remember, the flavors will deepen overnight!
What Can I Serve with Beef Short Ribs?
These short ribs are delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a side of roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also pairs well for a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.
