This Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe will make your taste buds dance! These ribs turn out juicy and full of flavor after slow cooking for hours.
After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm meal. Just pop the ingredients in your slow cooker, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled short ribs for better flavor and tenderness. If unavailable, you can substitute with chuck roast cut into large pieces, but the texture will be different.
Red Wine: Red wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with beef broth or apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangy flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives sweetness to balance the savory flavors. For a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can work, but it won’t provide the same depth. You can even try adding a touch of chipotle for spice!
Fresh Parsley: This is for garnish and adds freshness. If you’re out, try chopped green onions or cilantro as an alternative.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Tender Short Ribs?
Getting tender short ribs is all about the cooking method and time. Slow cooking is key here. Make sure to sear the ribs first, as this caramelizes the meat for deeper flavor.
- Season the meat generously; don’t skip this step!
- Sear in a hot pan to lock in juices—3-4 minutes per side works well.
- Cook on low heat for a long time (7-8 hours) to allow the collagen to break down. This is what gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
It’s all about patience! The longer the cook time, the more tender the ribs will be. Enjoy!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavor Additions:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 7-8 hours of cooking if you use the low setting. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours. Either way, the result will be tender and delicious beef short ribs that are perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they’re nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds great flavor! After searing, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they become softened and fragrant. After that, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to incorporate the flavors.
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the smoked paprika and dried thyme to the mix.
5. Combining it All:
Pour this flavorful sauce mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Toss in the bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
6. Cooking Time:
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender and begins to fall off the bone. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and set them aside. Discard the bay leaves. If you want to make the sauce thicker, you can pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until slightly thickened.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef short ribs hot, spooning the delicious sauce over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen beef short ribs, but it’s recommended to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water in a sealed bag for a quicker option. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce the night before. Simply store the seasoned raw short ribs in the fridge and the sauce mixture in a separate container. On cooking day, sear the ribs and pour the sauce over them before cooking in the slow cooker!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep them moist while reheating!
Can I Substitute the Red Wine?
Yes, if you’re not using red wine, you can replace it with additional beef broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for some acidity. This will help maintain the sauce’s depth of flavor without alcohol!
