Tender & Juicy Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe for Cozy Nights

Savory slow cooker short ribs bring comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Tender meat practically melts when cooked low and slow throughout the day.

Rich flavors develop gradually, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills every corner of your kitchen.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Beef becomes incredibly succulent after hours of gentle simmering in its own delectable juices.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality dish you can easily master at home.

Dive into this foolproof recipe that promises an unforgettable dining experience guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe: Why You’ll Love Them

• Stress-Free Cooking: Slow cookers transform tough meat into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on effort, letting you enjoy a gourmet dinner without constant monitoring.
• Packed with Flavor: Searing short ribs before slow cooking creates deep, rich flavors that develop beautifully through low and slow preparation, resulting in incredibly tender meat that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you want a hearty meal that impresses without complicated techniques, this recipe pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or smooth polenta.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Short ribs provide a protein-packed meal loaded with vegetables, making it a balanced and filling option that delivers both comfort and nutrition in one delicious dish.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

• Beef Short Ribs: Flavorful and tender cuts that become incredibly soft when slow-cooked.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic mirepoix that adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated, slightly sweet tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Beef Broth, Red Wine: Liquid base that creates a deep, complex sauce for the short ribs.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the meat with a subtle, earthy flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the short ribs and preventing sticking.

Step By Step For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

Grab your short ribs and give them a generous massage of salt and pepper. Heat up some olive oil in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat. Sear those meaty beauties on all sides until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust (about 2-3 minutes per side). Gently transfer the seared ribs to your trusty slow cooker.

Step 2: Veggie Magic Begins

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Cook these veggies for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, letting it mingle and coat the vegetables with deep, rich color.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Powerhouse

• Beef broth
• Red wine
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Bay leaf

Step 4: Slow and Steady Wins

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s perfect when the meat is so tender it practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

Step 5: Bring It to the Table

Fish out the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Plate these mouthwatering short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, dreamy polenta, or fluffy rice. Drizzle that incredible sauce all over and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Smart Tips For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

• Choose well-marbled, thick-cut short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Sear ribs at high heat to lock in juices and develop a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Deglaze the skillet with wine or broth to capture all the flavorful browned bits from searing.
• For a lighter version, skim excess fat from the top of the sauce before serving.
• Enhance depth by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce during cooking.

Try These Styles For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

• Spicy Mexican Short Ribs: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro for a bold southwestern flavor profile. Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh salsa.
• Asian-Inspired Braised Ribs: Replace red wine with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and add ginger, garlic, and star anise. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Mediterranean Herb Ribs: Incorporate rosemary, oregano, and replace beef broth with white wine. Mix in kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean essence.
• Red Wine Balsamic Ribs: Enhance the sauce with balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic, and fresh basil. Finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added depth.

Best Pairings For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

• Create Creamy Companions: Mashed Potato Perfection – Whip smooth, buttery mashed potatoes with roasted garlic or herbs to absorb the delicious braising liquid and provide a luxurious texture contrast.
• Balance Plate Brightness: Fresh Green Salad – Toss a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to cut through the richness of the meat and add refreshing acidity to the meal.

Simple Storage For Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

• Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled short ribs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place short ribs in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe Q And A

• Why sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

Searing creates a delicious brown crust that locks in flavor and develops rich, deep taste through the Maillard reaction. This step adds complexity and depth to the final dish.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

While short ribs work best, you can substitute with chuck roast or beef brisket. These cuts have similar fat content and become tender when slow-cooked.

• Do I need to use red wine?

Red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but if you prefer, you can replace it with additional beef broth or beef stock. The wine helps tenderize the meat and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker short ribs showcase tender beef braised in rich red wine and herbs, melting with deep, complex flavors. Comfort meets elegance in this hearty dish that promises to delight your palate with its mouthwatering, fall-apart meat and luxurious sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 kg (3 pounds) beef short ribs

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (or additional broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Massage the beef short ribs thoroughly with salt and cracked pepper, ensuring complete coverage of each piece.
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet at medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for searing the meat.
3. Brown the seasoned short ribs on all exterior surfaces until a deep caramel-colored crust develops, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the seared meat into the slow cooker, preserving the flavorful caramelized exterior.
5. Within the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, diced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
6. Incorporate tomato paste into the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently to develop a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
7. Pour the aromatic vegetable combination over the short ribs inside the slow cooker.
8. Gently add beef broth, robust red wine, fresh thyme sprigs, and a single bay leaf to create a deeply flavored braising liquid.
9. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ribs to simmer on low setting for 8-9 hours, or on high setting for 4-5 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates from the bone.
10. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf before plating the succulent short ribs with their luxurious cooking sauce over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or steamed rice.

Notes

• Select bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring meat has good marbling.
• Pat meat dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juices and develops deep, rich flavors.
• Deglaze skillet with wine or broth to capture all caramelized bits, adding extra depth to the sauce.
• Low and slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues, transforming short ribs into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg