Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Nothing says comfort food quite like a plate of tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs, and using a slow cooker makes this classic dish both easy and incredibly satisfying. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the beef cooks slowly over hours, transforming into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels surrounded by a rich, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself to something delicious with minimal effort.

Short ribs are known for their rich marbling and depth of flavor, which makes them ideal for slow cooking. This recipe combines a mix of beef broth, a touch of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, creating a beautiful sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a thick slice of rustic bread. Adding carrots to the slow cooker not only brings color to the dish but also infuses natural sweetness that complements the robust flavors of the beef.

Let’s dive into how to create this comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, giving you a break while creating a restaurant-quality dish.
• Rich and Savory: The combination of beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and garlic creates a luxurious sauce that’s perfectly balanced.
• Tender Texture: The low, slow cooking method transforms the short ribs into tender, flavorful bites that are truly irresistible.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve these ribs with your favorite side dishes to round out a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Beef Short Ribs: 2-3 pounds, bone-in; these develop incredible flavor and become tender with slow cooking.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the beef before searing.
• Olive Oil: To sear the short ribs, enhancing the flavor and texture.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups; the base for a rich, savory sauce.
• Balsamic Vinegar or Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce that balances the richness of the beef.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced; for a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: A few sprigs of each for an earthy, herbal undertone.
• Carrots: 3-4 medium, sliced; optional but add sweetness and color.
• Cornstarch (optional): To thicken the sauce for a rich, gravy-like consistency.

How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs:

1. Season and Sear the Short Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a nice, brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and seals in juices.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and tomato paste until smooth. This mixture will become the delicious sauce that coats the short ribs.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Place the seared short ribs in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each rib is covered. Scatter the thyme and rosemary sprigs over the ribs for a fragrant, herbal touch as they cook.
4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on the low setting for 7-8 hours. Slow cooking allows the ribs to tenderize beautifully, and the sauce develops a rich, deep flavor over time. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but the low setting is recommended for the best texture.
5. Add the Carrots: About 1-2 hours before the cooking time ends, add the sliced carrots to the slow cooker. They’ll cook until tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about ½ cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry. Pour it back into the slow cooker, stirring well, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve and Garnish: Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Discard the herb sprigs and stir the sauce. Serve the ribs hot, topped with the sauce and garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired. They’re delicious with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Helpful Tips:

• Choose Quality Ribs: Look for short ribs with good marbling, as this will yield tender, juicy results.
• Pre-Searing Adds Flavor: Although it’s tempting to skip this step, searing the ribs before adding them to the slow cooker caramelizes the exterior and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh thyme and rosemary, dried herbs can be used. Just add 1 teaspoon of each to the sauce mixture.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!
• Freezing Option: If you want to make these ahead of time, allow the ribs and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Notes:

If you’re craving an extra hearty meal, consider adding potatoes to the slow cooker along with the carrots. They’ll absorb the sauce and become infused with flavor, creating a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 500 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 36g | Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe? Yes, boneless short ribs will work just as well! They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around the 6-hour mark if you’re using boneless ribs.

How do I know when the ribs are done? The short ribs are done when they’re fall-apart tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F. They should pull apart easily with a fork.

What other vegetables can I add? In addition to carrots, feel free to add parsnips, mushrooms, or even small potatoes to the slow cooker for added flavor and variety.

Related Recipes:

If you loved these Slow Cooker Short Ribs, try these next:

• Red Wine Braised Beef Stew – A hearty, slow-cooked stew with tender chunks of beef and root vegetables.
• Garlic Butter Pot Roast – A savory, rich roast cooked in a slow cooker for maximum flavor.
• Classic Beef Bourguignon – A comforting, slow-simmered French stew with red wine and tender beef.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, with tender meat and a sauce that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy evening in. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your rotation. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish any night of the week!