Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe: Tender, Juicy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good
Fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs braised low and slow in a rich, savory sauce until incredibly tender and flavorful, with minimal hands-on effort required.
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, English cut
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 ribs celery chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer seared ribs to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the vegetable-wine mixture to the slow cooker over the ribs. Add beef broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is extremely tender and falling off the bone.
Carefully transfer the ribs to a serving platter. Strain the cooking liquid into a fat separator or bowl. Skim off the excess fat.
For a thicker sauce, pour the defatted liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to desired consistency. Season to taste.
Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles, topped with the reduced sauce.
There’s something undeniably magical about beef short ribs that have been slow-cooked to tender perfection-meat so succulent it practically melts on your tongue, releasing rich, savory flavors with every bite. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of a hearty meal simmering all day, gently transforming humble ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
This slow cooker beef short ribs recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience, a delicious journey from simple prep to unforgettable comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook craving an easy yet impressive meal, these ribs promise to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into the art of slow cooking and unlock the secrets to beef short ribs that truly melt in your mouth.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe offers a remarkable blend of effortless cooking and sublime flavors. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich, deep taste but also in the perfect cut of beef that transforms slow cooking into a culinary masterpiece.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just beginning, selecting the ideal ribs and mastering the marinade will set the stage for a truly unforgettable meal.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Marinating: 4 hours to overnight (recommended)
- Cooking: 6 to 8 hours on low in the slow cooker
Yield
Serves 4 to 6 people generously.
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium – minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions to Achieve Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
- Choose the perfect cut: Select bone-in beef short ribs with beautiful marbling. The fat interlaced within the muscle fibers ensures the ribs stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Prep the ribs: pat the ribs dry with paper towels to encourage caramelization during searing.
- Make the marinade: in a large bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and aromatic.
- Marinate the ribs: Place ribs in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour marinade over. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse flavors.
- Sear the ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear ribs 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized-this step locks in flavor and adds texture.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Layer sliced onions and fresh herb sprigs at the bottom as a fragrant bed for the ribs.
- Transfer ribs and marinade: Nestle the seared ribs on the onion bed and pour the marinade over them, ensuring the liquid partially covers the ribs.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is so tender it falls off the bone with a gentle touch.
- Final touches: Skim excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. For a thicker sauce, remove ribs and reduce the liquid on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Return ribs to the sauce or drizzle generously when plating.
Chef’s Notes and Tips for Success
- Marinating time matters: The longer you marinate, the richer and deeper the beef absorbs the spices and tanginess to 24 hours is ideal.
- Searing is non-negotiable: Don’t skip the browning step, as it creates that irresistible crust and develops the umami base essential for a melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker beef short ribs recipe.
- Herb flexibility: If fresh rosemary and thyme aren’t on hand, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried herbs, but add them earlier to release their flavor.
- Make ahead: Slow-cooker beef short ribs can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs on top before serving to refresh aromas.
- Adjust sweetness: Brown sugar balances acidity; feel free to reduce or swap for maple syrup or honey for a nuanced sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Side Dishes for an unforgettable meal
Present your beautifully glazed short ribs atop creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, allowing the rich sauce to pool deliciously around the base. Roasted root vegetables-think glazed carrots, parsnips, or golden baby potatoes-add earthy contrast and vibrant color. For a fresh bite, a crisp arugula salad with shaved parmesan and lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or microgreens for a pop of green and gentle freshness that heightens the dish’s visual appeal. A glass of robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, complements the bold flavors and makes the experience truly special.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
For more succulent beef recipes, explore our detailed guide on Ultimate Braised Beef Techniques. Learn how to elevate your slow cooker skills and create restaurant-quality dishes at home. For additional insights on choosing quality beef, check out this informative article by Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.
Q&A
Q&A: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Q1: What makes this slow cooker beef short ribs recipe so special?
A1: The magic lies in the slow and gentle cooking process that transforms tough, flavorful beef short ribs into tender, juicy morsels that literally melt in your mouth. The slow cooker allows the ribs to braise in their own rich juices along with aromatic herbs and spices, creating layers of depth and comfort in every bite.
Q2: How long should I cook the beef short ribs in the slow cooker?
A2: For perfectly tender ribs, cook them on low heat for about 7 to 8 hours. This slow simmer breaks down the collagen, turning the meat buttery soft without drying it out. If you’re short on time, a high setting for 4-5 hours can work, but low and slow is the secret to that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q3: What are the key ingredients that enhance the flavor of the short ribs?
A3: The essentials include a rich beef broth or stock, fresh garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to add acidity and depth. Herbs like thyme and rosemary infuse an earthy aroma, while a touch of brown sugar or honey adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Q4: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A4: Absolutely! Slow cooker short ribs are ideal for make-ahead meals. Cook them a day before serving-the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving, and you’ll have a comforting and impressive meal ready in no time.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve these melt-in-your-mouth short ribs?
A5: Serve these luscious ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the succulent sauce. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Don’t forget a crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that heavenly jus!
Q6: Can I freeze leftovers from this recipe?
A6: Definitely! Slow-cooker beef short ribs freeze beautifully. Portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags with some sauce, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a fast, delicious meal anytime.
Q7: Is it necessary to brown the short ribs before slow cooking?
A7: While optional, browning the ribs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds a rich, caramelized flavor and an appealing color to the dish. It’s worth the extra step if you have time-it takes your melt-in-your-mouth ribs from great to absolutely extraordinary.
Enjoy cooking and savoring every tender bite of these melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker beef short ribs-comfort food at its finest!
In Retrospect
These melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker beef short ribs are more than just a meal-they’re a celebration of patience, flavor, and simple, soulful cooking. With every tender bite, you’re savoring hours of slow, loving heat that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, unforgettable feast. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this recipe invites you to slow down and relish the artistry of comfort food at its finest. So fire up that slow cooker, set aside the rush, and get ready to indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Your taste buds-and your dinner guests-will thank you.
