These beef short ribs are cooked slowly to become super tender and full of flavor. Just toss them in the slow cooker with some veggies and your favorite spices!
You won’t believe how easy this is! I love coming home to that amazing smell wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug after a long day! 😍
Serve them with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The meat just falls off the bone, and you’ll find yourself going back for seconds—who can resist? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: The star of the show! Look for ribs with good marbling. This will ensure they turn out juicy and tender. If short ribs are hard to find, you can substitute with chuck roast cut into cubes.
Red Wine: This adds depth to the flavor! If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with extra beef broth or use grape juice mixed with a bit of vinegar for acidity.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme give a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work just fine. Use about a third of the amount (1 tsp dried for every 1 tbsp fresh).
Broth: For a richer taste, choose low-sodium beef broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, but note it will change the overall taste slightly.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sear the Ribs?
Getting a good sear on the ribs is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with room-temperature ribs; this helps them brown better.
- Make sure your skillet is hot! Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the ribs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. This ensures they brown instead of steam.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until deeply browned. This creates a delicious crust that adds flavor.
Following these tips will build a fantastic base for your slow cooker beef short ribs!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional beef broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 8 hours of slow cooking. It’s a great make-ahead meal that you can set up in the morning and return to a delicious dinner in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Short Ribs:
Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until they’re browned on all sides, which will take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they’re softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells fantastic!
3. Deglaze the Pan:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute. Next, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture, stirring well. Pour this flavorful mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. It’s time to add the herbs—place the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves in there too. Don’t forget the carrots and celery!
5. Slow Cook the Ribs:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is super tender and easily falls off the bone. The smell is going to be amazing!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves. If you’d like a smoother sauce, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then transfer it to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and let it reduce to your desired sauce consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the short ribs hot, drizzling the tasty sauce and vegetables over the top. These are perfect with mashed potatoes or any of your favorite sides. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish!
This long, slow cooking method makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef short ribs with chuck roast or brisket. Just ensure that the cut you choose has some marbling for tenderness and flavor.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before. In the morning, just plug it in and let it cook throughout the day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What Can I Serve With These Short Ribs?
These short ribs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve them on a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
