Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot beef short ribs are a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. Cooking them in a crockpot allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become incredibly tender. If you want a hearty dish that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s great for family dinners or gatherings, and everyone will love the rich taste!

How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients:

4 pounds beef short ribs
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Directions:

Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
In a hot skillet, sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
In the crockpot, combine the chopped onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, and tomato paste.
Add the seared short ribs to the crockpot, ensuring they are covered with the sauce.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Once done, remove the ribs and set aside.
Strain the sauce and simmer it on the stove to thicken if desired.
Serve the ribs with the sauce drizzled over and garnish with fresh herbs.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Crockpot beef short ribs are best served hot. Place the ribs on a platter and drizzle the thickened sauce over them. You can pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. To make your plate look nicer, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

To store leftover beef short ribs, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to freeze the meat and sauce separately for best results.

Tips to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Choose Quality Meat: Look for well-marbled short ribs, as the fat will add flavor and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the meat before adding it to the crockpot develops a rich flavor.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving to adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish visually appealing.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the crockpot. They will soak up the delicious sauce and add more nutrition to your meal. You can also substitute the red wine with additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can make beef short ribs in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot on the stove. Just follow the same steps and cook them on low heat for about 3-4 hours.

Can I use bone-in or boneless short ribs?

Bone-in short ribs are recommended as they add more flavor to the dish. However, boneless short ribs can also work if that’s what you have.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat is so tender that it easily pulls away from the bone. If you test it with a fork, it should fall apart easily.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs