These super tender slow cooker beef short ribs are a true treat! With rich flavors and juicy meat, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen!
Honestly, who can resist meat that falls off the bone? I love serving these with mashed potatoes or on a bed of rice. Whatever you choose, you’ll want extra sauce for sure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled beef short ribs, as the fat makes them tender and flavorful. If you can’t find short ribs, flanken-style ribs or beef chuck can work in a pinch.
Red Wine: It adds a richness to the sauce. If avoiding alcohol, just use extra beef broth or grape juice for a similar depth of flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade is best if you have it, but store-bought works just fine. For less sodium, opt for low-sodium broth. You can also substitute with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Smoked Paprika: This provides a smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add heat, but it won’t have the same smokiness.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Short Ribs?
Browning the short ribs is key for unlocking deep flavors. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. This helps to create a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too full, the ribs will steam instead of brown. Brown them in batches if necessary.
- Let them cook without moving them too much. Check after 3-4 minutes for a nice crust before flipping.
Following these tips will enhance the flavor and give a great texture to your dish!
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and let them cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your dish!
4. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Bring this mixture to a simmer, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. These bits add a lot of flavor!
5. Combining with Ribs:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker, and add the bay leaves for added flavor.
6. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or until the ribs are extremely tender and practically falling off the bone. This is when the magic happens!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking is done, carefully remove the ribs and bay leaves from the slow cooker. If you’d like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the short ribs hot, pouring the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy this comforting and tasty meal with your favorite sides!
Bon appétit!
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 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 beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then a generous 8 hours of slow cooking. That means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. By dinner time, you’ll have some super tender ribs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by patting the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides to give them flavor.
2. Browning the Ribs:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the short ribs, browning them on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once they’re nicely browned, transfer the ribs to your slow cooker.
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes! If you’re using frozen short ribs, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before browning. It’s important for even cooking and flavor absorption.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or grape juice for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can braise the ribs in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until tender. Just follow the same steps for browning and making the sauce!
