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
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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)
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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)
- 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.
