Description
This Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone after slow cooking. Perfectly seasoned and cooked low and slow in rich broth, red wine, and aromatic herbs, these ribs make an effortless, comforting main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Short Ribs
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a rich brown crust. Transfer the seared ribs to the crockpot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Add dried thyme and bay leaves, stirring to combine.
- Cook in Crockpot: Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Optional Sauce Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, remove ribs after cooking. Whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Return ribs to the sauce and serve hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the ribs in the seasoning overnight before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
