Your mouth will water for these super tender beef short ribs! Cooked slowly in a rich sauce, they become fall-off-the-bone delicious. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how easy it is to make this dish—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. You can relax while the aroma fills your home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish. Look for well-marbled ribs, as the fat helps keep them tender. If you can’t find short ribs, you can use chuck roast cut into chunks, though the texture will differ.
Red Wine: This ingredient adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer to skip it, extra beef broth works well. Just add a splash of vinegar for a bit of acidity.
Brown Sugar: It balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a different sweetness level.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary give a wonderful aroma. If using dried herbs, cut the amount to a third because they’re more potent.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Short Ribs?
Searing the short ribs is crucial for flavor. It creates a nice brown crust that adds depth to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. This helps achieve a good browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until well-browned. Let them rest before adding to the slow cooker.
By following these steps, you’ll develop a delicious flavor that enhances the final dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Ribs:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Cooking Sauce:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 8 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. Just season, sear, and let it simmer all day for super tender beef short ribs that are perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Short Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs all over with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they soften, which will take about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally. After the onions are soft, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the delicious sauce! Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer while scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour this flavorful sauce over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Then, add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, carrots, and celery on top. It’s all coming together now!
6. Slow Cook the Ribs:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is so tender that it falls off the bone. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Finish Up:
Once cooked, remove the short ribs and the vegetables carefully and set them aside on a serving platter. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Top the short ribs with the rich sauce and vegetables. Enjoy your meal with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty piece of bread to soak up all the delicious sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
It’s best to thaw the short ribs in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can sear the frozen ribs directly, just be aware they may need a bit longer in the slow cooker.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth. Adding a splash of vinegar can help replicate the acidity found in wine.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the meat moist.
What Should I Serve with Short Ribs?
These short ribs are delicious with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad also complements the meal nicely!
