These beef short ribs are cooked slowly until they become super tender and juicy. The magic happens in the slow cooker, making this dish easy and full of flavor!
Honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of these ribs cooking all day. It makes your house feel cozy, and when they’re done, you’ll be tempted to eat them right away! 😋
What I love most is how simple it is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve with mashed potatoes for the perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find them, you can use chuck roast cut into large chunks as a substitute.
Red Wine: I love using a good quality red wine for depth, but you can skip it or replace it with more beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice touch too!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with browning. If you’re avoiding oil, you can use a non-stick cooking spray instead or skip browning, although it adds a nice texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are wonderful, but dried herbs work just as well! If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, Italian seasoning can be a good mix.
How Can I Make Sure My Short Ribs Are Tender?
Getting the ribs tender is all about slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Brown the Ribs: This step isn’t just for looks! Browning adds flavor through caramelization.
- Cook Low & Slow: Cooking on low for 7-8 hours is best. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high, but low heat really helps develop flavors.
- Check for Doneness: The ribs should be so tender that they fall off the bone easily. If they’re still tough, give them more time!
Remember to let the ribs rest a bit before serving. This helps retain the juices. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 7-8 hours of slow cooking on low, or 4-5 hours on high. You can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
2. Brown the Short Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs to the skillet and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich, caramelized crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
4. Create the Flavor Base:
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the wine mixture into the slow cooker over the ribs. Then, add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the mix. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
6. Set It to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the meat to be tender and falling off the bone when done.
7. Finish Up:
When the ribs are ready, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. If you like, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it to reduce and thicken into a delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the ribs hot, spooning the rich sauce over them. This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or some crusty bread. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth experience with these super tender slow cooker beef short ribs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef short ribs with other cuts like chuck roast, which will also become tender with slow cooking. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, typically longer for larger cuts.
Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with an additional cup of beef broth. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth to keep them moist.
What Should I Serve with These Short Ribs?
These short ribs pair well with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad would also complement the dish nicely.
