Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Cooking tender and flavorful short ribs has never been easier than with this slow cooker recipe. With minimal prep work, you can indulge in a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The beauty of slow-cooked beef short ribs lies in their ability to become tender and juicy, while soaking up all the delicious flavors of a rich broth and aromatic vegetables. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is filled with deep, savory flavors that you and your guests will love. Whether you’re new to cooking short ribs or an experienced chef, this recipe will deliver mouth-watering results every time. The combination of beef, red wine, thyme, and garlic creates a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

This recipe is perfect for those who love simple, flavorful meals that don’t require constant attention. Simply prepare the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The result is a dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, homemade meal. From the tender meat to the savory sauce, every element of this dish is designed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are incredibly easy to make and yield consistently delicious results. The slow-cooking process ensures the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with the rich flavors of beef broth, red wine, and fresh herbs. The minimal prep time and hands-off cooking allow you to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the recipe can easily be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• Beef short ribs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Beef broth
• Red wine (or additional broth)
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaf

Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, sauté sliced mushrooms with the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Spicy Short Ribs: Add a touch of heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper with the vegetables.
3. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a unique flavor.
4. Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary works well in place of thyme and adds an aromatic touch.
5. No Wine Option: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the short ribs to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until the paste darkens slightly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker, adding the beef broth, red wine, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the short ribs are tender and easily fall off the bone.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Serve the short ribs with the sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Brown the Meat: Searing the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor, giving them a rich, caramelized crust.
2. Low and Slow: For the most tender short ribs, cook on low for a longer period rather than on high.
3. Refrigerate Overnight: For even richer flavor, let the cooked short ribs cool, then refrigerate overnight. Reheating the next day allows the flavors to meld together even more.
4. Adjust Liquid Levels: If the sauce looks too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken it up.
5. Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme just before serving.

How to Serve

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of fluffy rice. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider pairing the ribs with a glass of red wine that complements the flavors of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the short ribs have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rich sauce will keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze, place the short ribs in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the short ribs gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to prevent the sauce from thickening too much during the reheating process.

FAQs

1. Can I use pork ribs instead of beef short ribs?

While beef short ribs are recommended for this recipe due to their flavor and tenderness, you can use pork ribs as an alternative. The cooking time may be slightly shorter for pork ribs, so monitor their tenderness.

2. Can I use a different type of alcohol in place of red wine?

Yes, you can substitute red wine with a dry white wine or even beer. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar works well.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check the labels of your broth and wine to ensure they are gluten-free.

4. Can I use frozen short ribs?

Frozen short ribs can be used, but they may take longer to cook. Ensure they are fully thawed before searing and cooking for the best results.

5. Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Cook the short ribs on the “Sauté” setting, then add the remaining ingredients. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” for 45 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally.

6. Can I make this recipe with less fat?

You can remove some of the fat from the short ribs before cooking to reduce the fat content. However, the fat does contribute to the richness of the dish.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables, such as parsnips, mushrooms, or potatoes, to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.

8. Is it necessary to sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

While searing adds a rich flavor, it is not absolutely necessary. You can skip the searing step, though the dish will lack some depth of flavor.

9. How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the short ribs and vegetables after cooking, then simmer the sauce uncovered on the stovetop until it thickens.

10. Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Boneless short ribs can be used, but they may cook faster and require less time in the slow cooker. Check for tenderness after 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich sauce that will leave you craving more. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to try out the variations and tips to make the dish uniquely your own, and enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen as it cooks to perfection!

Print