Slow-Cooker Ranch Short Ribs: Tender & Flavorful Dinner

Introduction

Few dishes offer the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor that slow-cooker short ribs deliver. By pairing succulent beef short ribs with classic ranch seasoning, this recipe transforms a hearty cut of meat into a comforting entrée that’s both crowd-pleasing and remarkably hands-off. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, delivering deep flavor with minimal effort.

Why Make Slow-Cooker Ranch Short Ribs?

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and bold flavor. Slow cooking lets the meat absorb the tangy, herby ranch blend, resulting in juicy, fork-tender ribs and a deeply savory sauce. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that feels gourmet—but comes together with staple ingredients and very little prep.

How Ranch Elevates Short Ribs

Ranch seasoning gives these short ribs a unique twist, adding an herby brightness that balances the richness of the beef. The spices seep into the meat during the long, slow cook, infusing every bite with irresistible flavor. This method also creates a luscious pan sauce, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery noodles.

Assembling Your Slow-Cooker Ranch Short Ribs

This dish is as easy as layering your ingredients in the slow-cooker and letting time work its magic. Start with a flavorful sear for the ribs to lock in juices, then add onions, garlic, broth, and ranch seasoning. The ribs simmer gently, breaking down into irresistibly tender pieces that serve beautifully straight from the pot.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Ranch Short Ribs Dinner

Plate these rich short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles to soak up all that savory ranch gravy. Add a side of roasted vegetables or crisp coleslaw for color and crunch. The ribs reheat well, making them a star in meal prep rotations or as a dinner party centerpiece.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 350-450 calories (depending on the fat content of the short ribs), with plenty of protein and iron. Keep portions moderate, and balance your plate with plenty of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Slow-Cooker Ranch Short Ribs: Tender & Flavorful Dinner (Recap)

Slow-cooker ranch short ribs deliver tender, richly flavored beef in an easy, prep-ahead format. The ranch seasoning brings an herby, zesty note that sets this dish apart, making it a guaranteed hit for any dinner occasion.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free weekly meal planning.

Instructions

1. Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned (work in batches if needed). Transfer to the slow-cooker.
3. Layer sliced onion and minced garlic over the ribs.
4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over everything.
5. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around (not over) the ribs to help maintain the seasoning crust.
6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), until short ribs are very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
7. Skim excess fat from the surface, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

Slow-cooker ranch short ribs are an ideal meal prep staple—flavors deepen as they sit, and leftovers are versatile in sandwiches, pasta, or rice bowls. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly plan which days to serve it, and automatically build a smart shopping list that combines ingredients from all your weekly meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Totals up all ingredient quantities for the week—even across multiple recipes
• Sorts your grocery list by store department
• Reduces double-buying and helps you avoid running out of dinner essentials
• Streamlines your weekly meals so you can enjoy more time at the table and less in the store

Pro tip: When planning your week, schedule recipes together—CookifyAI combines ingredient needs, so if you’re making mashed potatoes for these ribs and another dish, your shopping list will aggregate the total amount of potatoes—reducing waste and saving you money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: About 8 hours (hands-off)