Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Slow Cooker Short Ribs is incredibly easy to make yet delivers extraordinary flavor. The long, slow cooking process results in ultra-tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. Paired with a savory sauce made from onions, garlic, and broth, these short ribs are a comforting, hearty meal. The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you go about your day. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion when you want a flavorful, no-fuss dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Beef short ribs (bone-in)
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Olive oil (for searing)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Beef broth
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Red wine (optional, but adds richness)
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Soy sauce
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Tomato paste
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Worcestershire sauce
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Brown sugar
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Fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
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Bay leaves
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Carrots, chopped (optional)
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Celery, chopped (optional)
Directions
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Sear the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Brown the ribs on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side), then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, followed by the beef broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves. If you’re using carrots and celery, add those as well.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the short ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
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Serve: Remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and discard the bay leaves. Optionally, skim off any excess fat from the sauce. Serve the short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 7-8 hours (on low) or 4-5 hours (on high)
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Total Time: 7-8 hours (on low) or 4-5 hours (on high)
Variations
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Vegetable Add-ins: Add potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra heartiness. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the sauce as they cook.
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Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add a couple of sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for some heat.
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Non-Alcoholic Option: If you don’t want to use wine, you can skip it and substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
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Herb Swaps: Feel free to swap fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano, depending on what you have on hand.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the short ribs in a skillet over low heat, or microwave them with a little bit of the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs in this recipe?
Yes, boneless short ribs can be used, but the cooking time may be shorter. Make sure to check for tenderness after 4-5 hours on low heat.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the short ribs a day ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The flavors will even improve after a night of resting. Simply reheat before serving.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. After browning the short ribs and sautéing the aromatics, add the liquid ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Short Ribs?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let the short ribs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Short Ribs?
These short ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. You can also serve them with a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans.
Can I skip the searing step?
While searing the short ribs adds extra flavor and color, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still produce tender and delicious ribs.
What can I do with the sauce leftover in the slow cooker?
The sauce is flavorful and rich, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. You can also thicken the sauce by simmering it on the stove or adding a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Other cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket, can be used in place of short ribs, though they may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, wine adds great depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or a bit of balsamic vinegar.
Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the short ribs in a pressure cooker. Set it to cook on high for 45 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that practically cooks itself. The tender meat and savory sauce make it the perfect comfort food, ideal for any occasion. With minimal hands-on time, this dish is a hassle-free way to enjoy a gourmet meal at home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, Slow Cooker Short Ribs will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7-8 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs slow-cooked in a savory sauce with garlic, onions, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. This easy recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions. Set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a mouthwatering, hearty meal.
Ingredients
-
Beef short ribs (bone-in)
-
Olive oil (for searing)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Onion, chopped
-
Garlic, minced
-
Beef broth
-
Red wine (optional)
-
Soy sauce
-
Tomato paste
-
Worcestershire sauce
-
Brown sugar
-
Fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
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Bay leaves
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Carrots, chopped (optional)
- Celery, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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Sear the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown ribs on all sides (2-3 minutes per side), then remove from skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in red wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker. Add sautéed onion and garlic, followed by beef broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves. Add carrots and celery if desired.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the short ribs are tender and the meat falls off the bone.
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Serve: Remove ribs from slow cooker, discard bay leaves, and skim off excess fat from the sauce. Spoon sauce over ribs before serving.
Notes
You can skip the searing step, though it adds extra flavor.For extra heartiness, add vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms.If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with more beef broth or balsamic vinegar.
