Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Rich Gravy

Introduction

Imagine a dish so comforting and delicious that it practically melts in your mouth—Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Rich Gravy deliver exactly that. These short ribs are slow-cooked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and bathed in a savory, glossy gravy that’s bursting with deep, beefy flavors. This recipe is not only impressive enough for entertaining, but it’s also simple enough for a cozy family dinner—making it a go-to for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Classic

What sets these beef short ribs apart is the irresistible combination of fork-tender meat and a sumptuous, homemade gravy that’s created right in the slow cooker. Long, gentle cooking coaxes out the rich umami notes from the beef and combines them with aromatic vegetables and a balanced blend of spices. The result is a flavorful main course that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or even buttery noodles.

The Secret to a Luxurious Gravy

The magic starts with browning the ribs before slow cooking—this step builds a deep foundation of flavor. As the ribs cook, their juices combine with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and beef broth. A light flour slurry at the end transforms these pan juices into a thick, velvety gravy that coats every bite. Simple ingredients, when layered thoughtfully, yield a gravy that’s restaurant-quality with very little effort.

No-Fuss Assembly for Perfect Ribs Every Time

All you need is a reliable slow cooker and a few minutes to assemble the ingredients in the morning—you’ll return at dinnertime to an aromatic house and a meal that tastes like you worked in the kitchen all day. This method gives you maximum reward for minimum input: more time to relax or prep delicious sides.

Serving Suggestions for a Hearty Dinner

These slow-cooked beef short ribs are perfect for special occasions, family nights, or meal prepping for busy weeks. Serve the ribs and rich gravy atop fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy grits, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, soul-satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. One portion with a scoop of gravy typically contains 450–550 calories, depending on the amount of sauce and trimming of the ribs. It’s a hearty, protein-packed meal best suited for dinner or whenever you’re craving a comforting feast.

Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs (Recap)

With melt-in-your-mouth meat and a flavor-packed gravy, these slow cooker beef short ribs will become a staple in your meal rotation. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser thanks to simple prep, rich results, and versatility for family dinners or entertaining.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a smart shopping list sorted by store section—making meal planning and grocery trips more organized and efficient.

Instructions

1. Pat short ribs dry. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs in batches until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add onion and carrots to the skillet (add a little more oil if needed). Cook until onions are soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook 1 minute more.
4. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then pour mixture over short ribs in slow cooker.
5. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours (or HIGH for 4–5 hours), until ribs are very tender.
6. Discard bay leaves and thyme stems. Remove ribs and carrots to a platter and tent with foil.
7. In a small bowl, whisk flour and water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker juices. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until thickened. Skim fat if desired.
8. Return ribs to slow cooker to coat in gravy or spoon gravy over ribs when serving. Sprinkle with parsley if using.

Weekly Meal Planning

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Rich Gravy are perfect for weekly meal prep—just reheat for stress-free dinners all week. Save and schedule this recipe to efficiently organize your shopping and plan delicious meals in advance.

Meal Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredients across your weekly meal list, making shopping a breeze
• Organizes every ingredient by grocery store section so you never miss an item
• Prevents duplicate buys and helps cut down on waste
• Makes planning hearty, homecooked meals stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes for the week and see how main ingredients like carrots and onions are pooled, so you only buy exactly what you need—perfect for busy families, hosts, or anyone who loves a well-organized fridge.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 8 hours (includes slow cooker time)