This Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe is all about delicious, fall-off-the-bone meat cooked in a rich, savory sauce. It’s perfect for any cozy dinner!
Trust me, your house will smell amazing while they cook, and you might drool a little. 😉 I love serving these ribs with mashed potatoes to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish! Look for well-marbled ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. If beef short ribs aren’t available, you could use chuck roast cut into chunks or even pork ribs for a different taste.
Red Wine: The wine adds depth, but it’s okay to skip it. Just replace it with more beef broth or even grape juice for a non-alcoholic option. I’m a fan of using a dry red wine for its balanced flavor.
Tomato Paste: This gives a rich base to the sauce. If you don’t have any, try using crushed tomatoes. It will slightly change the texture but still work well!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add amazing flavor. If you only have dried herbs, just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Beef Short Ribs Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender?
Cooking short ribs to perfection in a slow cooker is all about time and heat. Don’t rush the process; low and slow is the way to go!
- Start by seasoning and searing the ribs to add a nice crust. This step creates a ton of flavor!
- When you transfer everything to the slow cooker, don’t skip the sautéing of the onions and garlic—they add sweetness and aroma to your dish.
- Finally, let the ribs cook undisturbed for the full cooking time. If you lift the lid too often, you’ll lose heat and moisture.
Once they’re done, you should be able to pull the meat apart with your fork. Enjoy the delicious result!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ribs:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For Flavor:
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 8 hours of cooking on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a rich, brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the ribs to your slow cooker. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor!
3. Preparing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will help build a savory base for your sauce.
4. Making the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Combining Everything:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves for extra flavor. This is where all the magic happens!
6. Cooking Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are incredibly fork-tender and falling off the bone.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs and herbs from the slow cooker and keep them warm. If you’d like, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid and strain or blend the sauce to achieve a smoother consistency. For a thicker sauce, simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces slightly.
8. Serving It Up:
Finally, serve the tender ribs with the sauce spooned generously over the top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs, but it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
Can I Substitute Red Wine in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or use grape juice for a non-alcoholic alternative. The flavor will still be rich and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop or use the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking stage, then cover and refrigerate the ribs and sauce overnight. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking them in the slow cooker the next day for even results!
