Beef Short Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

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Beef Short Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe: Fall-Off-the-Bone Tenderness

Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker beef short ribs recipe. This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs with minimal effort, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs: Choose bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Contributes natural sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds subtle earthiness and texture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional): Adds complexity and depth of flavor. (Substitute with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic option)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds richness and umami.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Provides a warm, earthy aroma.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a slightly piney, herbaceous note.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!

Instructions for Slow Cooker Perfection:

1. Sear the short ribs (optional but recommended): Sear the short ribs in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you skip this step, it will still be delicious, but the sear adds a nice crust.

2. Layer the ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Place the seared short ribs on top.

3. Add the remaining ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.

4. Slow cook to perfection: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone.

5. Shred and serve: Remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded short ribs to the slow cooker and stir to coat them in the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Short Ribs:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect complement to the rich, tender short ribs.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes add a beautiful contrast in color and texture.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Simple green salad: A fresh green salad helps balance the richness of the dish.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs:

• Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the short ribs to cook evenly.
• Use a good quality beef broth: The flavor of the broth will impact the overall taste of the dish.
• Adjust seasonings to your preference: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the short ribs a day or two in advance and reheat them before serving.

This slow cooker beef short ribs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The tender meat, rich sauce, and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!