These beef short ribs cooked in a crockpot are super tender and full of flavor! Just season them up, pop them in, and let the slow cooker do the magic. Yum!
One of my favorite things about these ribs is how easy they are! I just set my crockpot and forget about it until dinner. It’s like having a chef in the kitchen! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Bone-in short ribs are perfect for this dish because the bones add flavor and richness. If you can’t find them, you could use boneless short ribs, but the cooking time might be a bit shorter.
Red Wine: This ingredient adds depth to the sauce. If you’d rather not use wine, feel free to replace it with more beef broth or some grape juice for a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor of the ribs. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions work well, just use less since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
Brown Sugar: This balances the savory flavors. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can substitute with a sugar alternative or leave it out entirely for a more savory note.
How Do I Get the Ribs Perfectly Tender?
Cooking short ribs low and slow is the key to tenderness. Searing helps enhance the flavor, but the magic happens in the crockpot where the moist heat breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. Here’s how to nail it!
- Start with seasoning and searing to lock in flavors. Don’t rush this step!
- Use the low setting on your crockpot and allow at least 8 hours for the best results. Patience is key!
- If the ribs seem tough after cooking, they can often benefit from an additional hour or so in the crockpot.
And remember, allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps keep them juicy! Enjoy your meal!
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your crockpot do the work for about 8 to 9 hours on LOW. Once it’s all cooked, you’ll have tender, flavorful ribs that you can serve with your favorite sides!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help enhance the flavors of the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned short ribs and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step adds delicious flavor, so don’t skip it! Once done, transfer the short ribs to the crockpot.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it’s fragrant. This will create a nice base of flavor for your dish!
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those tasty browned bits. Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until everything is combined, and then pour this mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot.
5. Adding Herbs and Cooking:
Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the crockpot on top of the ribs. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the flavors. Then cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until the ribs are beautifully tender and fall-apart delicious.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ribs and any herb stems from the crockpot. If you’d like to make the sauce thicker and richer, you can skim off some of the excess fat and simmer the remaining liquid on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency.
7. Serving:
Serve the short ribs hot, drizzled with some of the sauce for maximum flavor. These pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every tender bite of your super tender crockpot beef short ribs!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs! Just make sure to thaw them completely beforehand for even cooking. The safest way is to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for a few hours.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of broth or sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth. This will keep the rich flavor without the alcohol.
What Should I Serve with Beef Short Ribs?
These ribs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal!
