These beef short ribs are a true comfort food! Slow-cooked to perfection, they turn super tender and are packed with rich flavor. Just throw everything in the cooker, and let it work its magic!
Honestly, the meat just falls off the bone! I love serving them with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish! Look for well-marbled ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. If short ribs are hard to find, you can use beef chuck or brisket as a substitute.
Red Wine: It adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use extra beef broth or grape juice instead. I’ve tried both, and they work great!
Soy Sauce: This gives a nice umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce can be a better choice. Alternatively, tamari is a good gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: This balances the flavors beautifully. For a healthier alternative, try using honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the amount as needed because they are sweeter.
How Do I Ensure My Short Ribs Are Super Tender?
To get those melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, the key is low and slow cooking! Here’s how to master the technique:
- Browning: Don’t skip browning the ribs in the skillet! It locks in flavors and enhances the color.
- Layering: Place onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker first. This keeps them from burning and creates a flavorful base.
- Slow Cooking Time: Cooking on LOW for 8 to 10 hours is ideal. This extended time allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tenderness.
- Resting: Let the cooked ribs rest before serving to help retain moisture. This extra step makes a difference!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time to season and brown the ribs, plus cooking time in the slow cooker. Plan for 8 to 10 hours on LOW or 4 to 6 hours on HIGH to ensure the ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s a perfect dish for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper all over. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Brown the Ribs:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the short ribs and brown them on all sides until they have a nice, caramelized color, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step creates a rich flavor base for the dish.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
While browning, slice the onion and mince the garlic. Once the ribs are browned, place the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. This layer will help flavor the ribs as they cook.
4. Add the Ribs to the Slow Cooker:
Carefully arrange the browned short ribs on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This mixture will be the flavorful sauce for your ribs.
6. Pour It All Together:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ribs in the slow cooker. It should cover the meat well.
7. Add Herbs:
Place the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves on top of the mixture for added aroma and taste.
8. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours. When done, the ribs should be super tender and nearly falling off the bone.
9. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, gently remove the ribs and keep them warm by covering them with foil. If you’d like, strain the cooking liquid and simmer it in a saucepan to reduce and thicken it into a delicious sauce.
10. Serve:
Serve the short ribs hot with the sauce drizzled over the top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce.
Enjoy your super tender slow cooker beef short ribs! They’re sure to impress!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs! Just ensure they are completely thawed before browning them. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of extra beef broth or grape juice. Both options will maintain the dish’s moisture and flavor without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens after refrigeration, add a little beef broth or water while reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything except the slow cooking, and store the assembled ingredients in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just plug in your slow cooker, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day!
