This Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe will make your dinner unforgettable! With juicy, melt-in-your-mouth ribs and a rich sauce, it’s as comforting as a hug on a plate.
Just toss your ribs in the slow cooker, add some seasoning, and let them simmer all day. That’s right, you can almost feel the ribs thanking you for the easy prep! I usually serve them with mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Look for bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, beef chuck can be a good substitute, although it might not be as tender as short ribs.
Red Wine: This adds depth, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, swapping it with more beef broth works perfectly. You won’t miss out on flavor!
Olive Oil: It’s great for searing, but you can swap it with any cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh rosemary and thyme enhances the taste, but dried herbs are perfectly fine. Just use about one-third of the amount as a substitute.
How Do I Sear Short Ribs Perfectly?
Searing short ribs is key for locking in flavor. Follow these steps for great results:
- Preheat your skillet: A hot skillet ensures a nice crust. Medium-high heat is ideal.
- Don’t overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
- Golden brown is the goal: Cook the ribs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully brown. This caramelization adds so much flavor!
Just remember to transfer your beautifully seared ribs to the slow cooker without losing any of that yummy flavor stuck in the pan. Happy cooking!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Short Ribs:
- 4 to 5 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional; substitute with more beef broth if desired)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time and then 7 to 8 hours of slow cooking. So, you can set it in the morning and come home to a deliciously aromatic meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides. This gives them great flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until they are browned on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. This step is vital for locking in those delicious flavors.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until it softens, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, it’s time to create the sauce! Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. This adds even more flavor to your sauce!
5. Combine it All:
Pour the prepared sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker. Then, add the rosemary and thyme sprigs on top to infuse even more flavor as they cook.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ribs are fork-tender and practically falling off the bone.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the ribs are ready, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and cover them to keep warm. If you’d like, strain the cooking liquid to remove any solid bits, and skim off the excess fat. You can also reduce the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat to thicken it up—just simmer it until you reach the desired consistency!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the short ribs hot with the delicious sauce spooned over them. Pair with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a truly comforting meal. Enjoy your mouthwatering super tender slow cooker beef short ribs!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs, but be sure to thaw them completely before searing. The best way to thaw is by placing them in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method: seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, you can increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce during cooking.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the short ribs gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce the day before. Just refrigerate everything separately. When you’re ready to cook, allow the ribs to come to room temperature before slow cooking, and adjust the cooking time if needed, as they might cook faster when starting from a warmer temperature.
