Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Prepare yourself for the most tender, flavorful beef you’ve ever tasted! These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are everything you dream about in comfort food. The meat literally falls off the bone, and the rich, savory sauce is absolutely divine.

This is one of those crockpot recipes that makes you look like a gourmet chef with minimal effort. Your slow cooker transforms these ribs into pure magic!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

The beef becomes incredibly tender after hours in the slow cooker, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. The texture is unbelievably luxurious and satisfying.

The sauce is rich and deeply flavored with hints of garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the beef. Every spoonful is packed with savory goodness.

These crockpot recipes easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough to serve guests. Plus, your house will smell absolutely amazing all day long!

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Ingredients

Equipment:

• Slow cooker or crockpot

For the Short Ribs:

• 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine or additional beef broth
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening

Fresh herbs and quality beef broth make these crockpot recipes for dinner truly exceptional!

How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

1. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to your slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the short ribs in your crockpot. Add the bay leaves.
6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
7. Remove the short ribs and keep warm. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid and let it thicken for 10 minutes. Pour this gorgeous sauce over your ribs and enjoy these incredible crockpot recipes beef lovers adore!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the ribs creates a beautiful crust and adds incredible depth to these crockpot recipes slowcooker dishes.

Choose bone-in short ribs for the best flavor and texture. The bones add richness to the sauce that boneless ribs can’t match.

If your sauce seems thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes to reduce it naturally. The flavors will concentrate beautifully.

Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making these crockpot recipes easy to serve and absolutely delicious.

Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce before serving for a cleaner, more refined finish.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Variations

Make crockpot recipes chicken by swapping short ribs for bone-in chicken thighs. Cook on low for 5-6 hours for equally tender results.

For slow cooker chicken leg recipe alternatives, use chicken drumsticks with the same sauce. They’ll be fork-tender and incredibly flavorful.

Try crockpot recipes healthy versions using trimmed short ribs and serving with cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides. The flavors stay rich while cutting calories.

Create Asian-inspired crockpot recipes beef by adding soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the braising liquid. It’s a delicious twist on the classic.

For crockpot recipes ground beef comfort food, make a shepherd’s pie using ground beef with similar seasonings and top with mashed potatoes.

What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for that luscious sauce. They soak up every drop of goodness from these crockpot recipes for dinner.

Buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta also work beautifully. The soft texture complements the tender meat perfectly.

Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to your plate. Their slight sweetness balances the savory ribs.

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate between bites of these amazing crockpot recipes.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! These crockpot recipes easy to prepare a day ahead. Cook fully, refrigerate, then reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even better.

What if I don’t have red wine?

No problem! Use additional beef broth or try balsamic vinegar for depth. These crockpot recipes slowcooker meals are flexible and forgiving with substitutions.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The meat should be falling off the bone and shred easily with a fork. If it’s still tough, continue cooking. Crockpot recipes beef dishes like this can handle extra time without drying out.

Final Thoughts on Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are pure comfort food perfection. They’re tender, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich sauce creates something truly special.

This is one of those crockpot recipes that’ll impress everyone at your table. It’s restaurant-quality food made effortlessly at home in your trusty slow cooker.

Break out your crockpot and give these incredible short ribs a try. You’ll be making them again and again!