Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these incredible Slow Cooker Short Ribs. This recipe promises perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone beef that practically melts in your mouth, all with minimal hands-on preparation. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of slow-braised beef, rich with flavorful vegetables, ready to be served over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or your favorite roasted vegetables. It’s an effortless culinary experience that delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend gatherings.
The beauty of slow cooking truly shines with beef short ribs. This cut of beef, known for its rich marbling and connective tissues, transforms into succulent perfection through a long, gentle braise. In this recipe, the short ribs are cooked alongside aromatic carrots, onions, and mushrooms, which absorb all the delicious juices and contribute their own sweetness and earthiness to the final dish. The result is a deeply flavored, hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul. For those who appreciate the magic of the slow cooker, you might also enjoy other robust beef dishes like a classic Mississippi Pot Roast, a comforting Crockpot Rump Roast, or a traditional Slow Cooker Pot Roast.
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs: A Weeknight Comfort
This recipe for beef short ribs is designed for ease without compromising on taste. With a mere 15 minutes of initial prep time, you can set your crockpot and let it handle the rest, freeing up your day while your kitchen fills with the most incredible, enticing aromas. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families seeking wholesome, home-cooked meals.
The slow cooker method breaks down the toughest parts of the beef, rendering it incredibly tender and allowing the meat to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the rich, savory sauce. The accompanying carrots, onions, and mushrooms become sweet and tender, complementing the beef beautifully. Serve these luxurious short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, hearty polenta, wide egg noodles, or vibrant roasted vegetables for a truly satisfying and memorable comfort food experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Short Ribs
Crafting the perfect slow cooker short ribs begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the deep, complex flavors that define this dish:
- Beef Short Ribs: The star of the show. Bone-in short ribs offer a richer, deeper flavor due to the marrow and connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking. However, boneless short ribs are also a fantastic option for convenience and ease of serving. Look for well-marbled ribs for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Onion: Aromatic foundation. White, yellow, or red onions will all work well here, each contributing a slightly different sweetness and pungency. Minced onion will dissolve into the sauce, adding depth without large chunks.
- Garlic: Pungent and aromatic. Freshly minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, but for a quicker prep, jarred minced garlic can be used. It’s essential for a robust sauce.
- Carrots: Sweetness and texture. Slicing carrots into roughly ½-inch pieces ensures they become tender but still hold their shape, adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Mushrooms: Earthy umami. Use your favorite variety, such as cremini, button, or shiitake. They absorb the sauce beautifully and add a wonderful earthy dimension to the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Balances acidity. A small amount of brown sugar helps to round out the acidity from the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated umami. This ingredient provides a deep, savory tomato flavor and contributes to the richness and body of the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy and complex. This fermented condiment adds a unique savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. If unavailable, a dash of soy sauce or even a bit more tomato paste can offer a similar depth.
- Beef Broth: The braising liquid. High-quality beef broth forms the base of the savory sauce. For an even more luxurious flavor, you can substitute a robust red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) for some or all of the beef broth, especially if you’re serving for an adult audience.
- Bay Leaves: Herbal notes. Bay leaves impart a subtle, almost minty and slightly bitter herbaceous note that complements beef beautifully. Fresh bay leaves have a stronger flavor, but dried bay leaves are perfectly suitable. Remember to remove them before serving.
- Thyme: Earthy and aromatic. Fresh thyme sprigs lend an earthy, slightly lemon-peppery aroma. Using fresh herbs significantly elevates the flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon dried per sprig of fresh).
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Beef Short Ribs in the Crockpot
Preparing these incredibly tender beef short ribs in your slow cooker is a straightforward process, demanding minimal effort for a gourmet result. Follow these steps to achieve fall-off-the-bone perfection:
- Prepare and Sear the Short Ribs: For optimal searing, remove the short ribs from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come closer to room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil (or another high-smoke-point oil). Once the oil begins to shimmer or lightly smoke, carefully add the short ribs to the pan, fat side down first if applicable. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary, leaving space between the ribs to allow them to brown effectively rather than steam. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates incredible depth of flavor that carries through the entire dish. Once seared, transfer the browned short ribs to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, you’ll find flavorful browned bits (fond) sticking to the bottom – these are essential for building a rich sauce. Add the minced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring, for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and slightly tender. The vegetables will release their own liquids and begin to caramelize, adding another layer of flavor.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce: To create the rich braising liquid, add the brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan, incorporating all those delicious browned bits from searing the ribs and sautéing the vegetables into the liquid. Stir until the sauce ingredients are well combined and smooth. Pour this flavorful onion and sauce mixture evenly over the seared short ribs in the slow cooker. Finally, nestle the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves among the ribs and vegetables.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your ribs, so monitor for tenderness. The short ribs are done when they are incredibly tender, easily pierced with a fork, and practically falling off the bone. Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the tender short ribs and a generous amount of the rich, savory sauce and vegetables over your chosen side dish. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, but polenta, rice, or other roasted vegetables also make excellent accompaniments. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and prepare to savor this exquisite comfort food.
Alternative Cooking Method: Stovetop Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven
While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, you can achieve equally delicious and tender short ribs using a Dutch oven on the stovetop. This method allows for greater control over the braising process, delivering a similarly rich and comforting meal.
To cook your short ribs on the stovetop, begin by following the same initial steps as the slow cooker method: sear the short ribs until beautifully browned in your Dutch oven, then sauté the minced onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms in the same pot. Once the aromatics are tender, deglaze the pot with the brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
After assembling all the ingredients in the Dutch oven, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, ensuring the liquid is just barely bubbling, cover the pot tightly with its lid, and let it simmer for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The key is low, slow heat to prevent scorching and allow the connective tissues in the beef to break down properly. The short ribs are ready when they are incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid isn’t reducing too much, adding a splash more broth if needed.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Short Ribs
The rich, savory flavor of slow cooker beef short ribs pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, transforming a simple meal into a delightful feast. The robust sauce is perfect for soaking into absorbent accompaniments.
My personal favorite, and a classic choice, is serving short ribs over a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety texture and mild flavor of potatoes, such as these rich and indulgent Gruyere Mashed Potatoes, provide a perfect canvas for the succulent beef and its gravy. Other fantastic options include:
- Creamy Polenta: For a slightly more sophisticated and equally comforting alternative to mashed potatoes, creamy polenta offers a smooth, buttery texture that complements the rich sauce.
- Rice or Risotto: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even a creamy Parmesan risotto can absorb the delicious drippings, creating a hearty and satisfying side.
- Egg Noodles: Wide, tender egg noodles are another excellent choice, providing a soft base that’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful braising liquid.
- Roasted Vegetables: To add freshness and a touch of sweetness, consider serving with roasted Brussels sprouts (Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts), green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Hearty Breads: Don’t forget a side of crusty bread or fluffy biscuits (Homemade Flakey Biscuits) to sop up every last drop of the incredible sauce.
- Cheesy Pasta Dishes: For an extra layer of decadence and comfort, classic sides like Baked Mac and Cheese or a Twice-Baked Potato Casserole elevate the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Here are answers to some common questions about making delicious slow cooker short ribs:
Beef short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the chuck, brisket, plate, or rib area of a steer. They are essentially the shorter, meatier sections of the rib bones that aren’t typically used for steaks. Short ribs are known for having a significant amount of meat, often with a good deal of marbling and connective tissue. This composition makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising, as the long, gentle heat breaks down the tough connective tissues into gelatin, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat.
It’s challenging to truly “overcook” short ribs in a slow cooker in the traditional sense, as longer cooking times generally lead to more tender meat. The goal with short ribs is to cook them until the connective tissues have completely broken down, which is what makes them so succulent and “fall-off-the-bone.” If you continue cooking them past this point, they might become shreddable, which is often a desired outcome. However, if you prefer them to hold their shape while still being tender, aim for the recommended 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. Beyond that, they may become too soft for some preferences.
While technically you could skip it, searing the short ribs before slow cooking is highly recommended and truly transforms the final dish. This quick step, which only takes a few minutes per side, creates a deeply browned crust through the Maillard reaction. This reaction develops complex, savory flavors that cannot be achieved through slow cooking alone. It locks in juices and adds an incredible depth to both the meat and the braising liquid, making the extra effort well worth it.
The easiest and most reliable way to determine if your short ribs are done is by testing for tenderness. They should be incredibly tender, easily pierced with a fork, and practically falling off the bone. If the meat still feels tough or resistant when poked, it needs more time to cook. For the connective tissues to properly break down and soften, the internal temperature of the meat needs to reach at least 180°F (82°C) to 205°F (96°C). However, tenderness is a better indicator than temperature alone for this specific cut.
Absolutely! Cooked short ribs freeze beautifully, making this recipe excellent for meal prep or leftovers. The best way to freeze them is to transfer the cooled short ribs along with some of the luscious sauce into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm on the stovetop or in the oven.
When selecting short ribs for this recipe, prioritize those that are well-marbled with visible streaks of fat throughout the meat; marbling contributes significantly to tenderness and flavor. Also, choose ribs that are nice and meaty, with a good proportion of meat to bone. Whether you opt for bone-in or boneless is a matter of preference (bone-in often adds more flavor). Try to avoid ribs with an overly thick cap of fat on top, as this can be excessive once rendered. Fresh, vibrant red meat is always a good sign.
Easy Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
These beef short ribs made in the crockpot are melt-in-your-mouth tender and require only about 15 minutes of active preparation. Serve this ultimate comfort food over mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted veggies for an easy and delightful dinner.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Yields: 6 people
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in (about 4-5 large short ribs)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thin
- 3 large carrots, sliced into 1/2″ pieces
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup beef broth (or red wine)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 large bay leaves
Instructions
- Remove short ribs from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the short ribs to the pan, fat side down first. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a rich golden-brown crust forms.
- Remove the seared short ribs from the skillet and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the minced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are golden brown, approximately 3-5 more minutes.
- Add the brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the cast-iron skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all the flavorful browned bits of beef and onion from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating them into the sauce. Stir until combined, then pour this aromatic mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Top with the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours or on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Serve the tender short ribs with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, ensuring to spoon extra drippings and sauce over each serving. Enjoy this deeply satisfying meal!
Notes
Storing Instructions: Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing: To freeze, transfer cooled short ribs along with some of the sauce into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat on the stove: Remove your beef ribs from the fridge about 30 minutes to 1 hour before you plan to serve. Spoon off any hardened fat from the top. Place the ribs and sauce in a pot or skillet and simmer gently over low heat until thoroughly warmed through.
To reheat in the oven: Transfer the short ribs to a Dutch oven or oven-safe dish. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until heated through.
Nutrition
Estimated Nutritional Values (per serving):
Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 6177IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates calculated using a third-party tool and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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Discover More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and incredible flavor of these Slow Cooker Short Ribs, you’ll love exploring other comforting and convenient recipes perfect for your crockpot. The slow cooker is a busy cook’s best friend, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals with minimal effort. Expand your repertoire with these highly recommended slow cooker dishes:
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken: Spicy, tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or salads.
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast: A classic, hearty meal that’s always a family favorite.
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: Tender, flavorful shredded pork ideal for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Free up stovetop space with these perfectly creamy potatoes.
- Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie: All the comfort of a pot pie, made easy in your slow cooker.
- Homemade Beef Stew: A soul-warming, rich stew packed with tender beef and vegetables.
- Mississippi Chicken: A flavorful, zesty chicken dish that’s incredibly simple to make.
- Explore more Beef Dinner Recipes for various cuts and cooking methods.
- Discover a collection of Easy Weeknight Meals designed to simplify your cooking routine.
These melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are truly an easy dinner idea that everyone will adore. With their tender texture and rich, savory sauce, they embody comfort food at its finest. Serve them over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or vibrant roasted veggies for a meal that is both satisfying and delightfully fuss-free. Enjoy the deep flavors and the sheer joy of a meal that practically cooks itself!