Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes deliver such bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness as slow cooker beef short ribs. This recipe effortlessly transforms a tough cut of meat into a succulent, deeply savory meal with minimal hands-on work. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, beef short ribs in the slow cooker are pure comfort that will impress everyone at the table.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe Works

Slow-cooking beef short ribs allows the marbled fat to render down, infusing the meat with luscious flavor while keeping it fall-apart tender. The aromatic blend of vegetables, aromatics, and red wine creates a robust braising liquid that becomes the base for a luxurious sauce. This hands-off recipe frees you up to tackle your day, while irresistible aromas fill your kitchen as the beef gently simmers.

Building Deep Flavor for the Short Ribs

For maximum flavor, start by browning the short ribs in a skillet. Searing them locks in juices and adds a delicious caramelized crust. Using a good skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures an even sear and easy cleanup. Be generous with seasoning and let each side develop a golden-brown exterior before transferring the ribs to the slow cooker.

While the ribs sear, prep the aromatic vegetables and garlic. Chopping onions, carrots, and celery is a breeze with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which makes uniform pieces and speeds up your prep time.

Easy Slow Cooker Steps for Tender Short Ribs

After transferring your browned short ribs and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker, pour over a mixture of red wine and beef broth. Add herbs like thyme and bay leaf for earthy depth. Cover, set your slow cooker on low, and allow the magic to happen for 7–8 hours. The gentle, steady heat will coax every bit of flavor and tenderness from the short ribs.

If you’d like to thicken the final sauce, strain the liquid and reduce it in a saucepan. Taste and adjust seasoning before coating the ribs.

Serving and Storing Your Beef Short Ribs

Serve these sumptuous short ribs atop creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or roasted vegetables for the ultimate comfort plate. To preserve leftovers, store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup); they keep the meat juicy and reheat beautifully for next-day meals.

Short ribs are an ideal make-ahead dish—flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious when reheated.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 550–600 calories, providing a hearty dose of protein, iron, and essential vitamins—making it a truly satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe (Recap)

Perfectly braised, fork-tender beef short ribs with a rich, savory sauce—this slow cooker recipe is the ultimate combination of ease and indulgence. Its deep flavors and simple execution make it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Instructions

1. Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear short ribs in batches until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer browned ribs to slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and celery (prep these quickly with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper), and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute more.
3. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let wine simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Transfer vegetables and liquid to slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Gently stir to combine ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
6. Remove ribs and set aside. Discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Optionally, pour cooking liquid into a saucepan; simmer to thicken if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve short ribs hot with sauce and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup).

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW (or 4–5 hours on HIGH)

Total Time: About 8 hours

Enjoy the unbeatable richness of slow cooker beef short ribs—a sure favorite for any occasion!