These beef short ribs are so tender they practically fall off the bone! Slow cooking lets all the flavors blend together, making each bite juicy and delicious.
The best part? You can set it and forget it! I just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax. Perfect for cozy nights in! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Look for bone-in beef short ribs as they provide great flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find them, beef chuck can be a good alternative, but the cooking time might need adjusting.
Red Wine: While optional, red wine adds depth to the dish. If you prefer to skip it, you can use extra beef broth instead. Another option is grape juice for a non-alcoholic twist.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but a low-sodium store-bought version works well too. For a lighter flavor, chicken or vegetable broth can substitute, keeping in mind it may affect the overall taste.
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme and rosemary, dried versions work fine. Just use less—about a third of the amount—since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will do, or you can use a dash of liquid smoke as an alternative.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Short Ribs?
Searing the short ribs is key to adding flavor and color to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet to get that nice golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
- Let each side cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown forms. This caramelization enhances the overall flavor.
- After searing, transfer the short ribs immediately to the slow cooker to lock in the juices.
Following this technique makes a big difference in taste! Enjoy tender, rich short ribs every time.
How to Make Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Short Ribs:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for either 8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH. So, just a little prep, and you can relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by seasoning your beef short ribs liberally with salt and pepper on all sides. This is an important step to ensure your beef is flavorful!
2. Searing the Ribs:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s time to sear the short ribs! Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each side. Once they’re beautifully browned, transfer them to your slow cooker.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they are softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute!
4. Adding Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes. It will help deepen the flavor of the sauce!
5. Deglazing the Pan:
If you’re using red wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pan. Make sure to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the skillet! Let the wine reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
6. Mixing the Sauce:
Add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined!
7. Combining with Ribs:
Pour this flavorful mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Everything should be nicely nestled together!
8. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Your ribs should turn out tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious!
9. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs and keep them warm. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems.
10. Reducing the Sauce:
If you want to make the sauce thicker, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat to reduce and thicken it. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serving:
Serve the succulent short ribs topped with the rich sauce. They go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth super tender slow cooker beef short ribs!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Beef Short Ribs?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are still a bit icy when you start.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! You can skip the wine and use extra beef broth instead. Alternatively, a splash of grape juice or apple cider vinegar will give a nice flavor without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step and refrigerate the raw short ribs with the sauce overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before cooking, or increase the cooking time slightly.