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If you’ve ever dreamed of tender, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone with every bite, then you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings deep, rich flavors to your dinner table with minimal hands-on time. As the hours pass in your slow cooker, the beef short ribs soak in savory beef broth, aromatic herbs, and just the right touch of seasoning, transforming into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that’s perfect for cozy family meals or impressing friends with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and a satisfying texture that highlights the natural richness of the beef. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this heartwarming dish to life.
- 4 pounds beef short ribs: Choose bone-in or boneless, about eight ribs, for rich meatiness that slowly softens over cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance the natural flavors and bring out the juiciness in the ribs.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to the savory profile.
- 3 cups beef broth: The base of your slow cooker liquid, infusing the ribs with robust, meaty goodness.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy umami kick and a subtle complexity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a warm, aromatic boost without overpowering the beef.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness for balance and enhanced savoriness.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: Infuses a fresh, pine-like herbal note that complements the richness perfectly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Ribs
Start by patting your beef short ribs dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick and ensures a beautiful crust. Generously sprinkle both salt and black pepper all over each rib, coating them evenly. This simple season set lays the foundation for flavors that will deepen as the ribs cook low and slow.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and the sprig of fresh rosemary. This flavorful liquid bath is what will keep the ribs tender and juicy while imbuing them with that signature hearty taste.
Step 3: Add the Short Ribs
Carefully place the seasoned short ribs into the slow cooker, nestling them in the broth mixture. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible, so they soak evenly in the braising liquid and cook through perfectly tender.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. This slow simmering process is what transforms the meat into a tender, luscious delight you’ll crave. The long cooking time breaks down connective tissue, making the ribs fall-off-the-bone soft and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let the juices settle. If you want to thicken the sauce, simply pour the liquid into a saucepan and reduce it over medium heat on your stove until luscious and rich. Spoon this sauce over the ribs for a truly decadent finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of rosemary bring a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that beautifully complements the rich meat. These little touches brighten both the presentation and the palate.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttery egg noodles are classic sides that soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans add texture and balance, making your meal both hearty and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, try plating the ribs atop a bed of savory risotto or wild mushroom sauté. You can also shred the tender meat and serve it over garlic bread for a rustic, comfort-food sandwich experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe, store leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you ready meals or tasty snacks with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save these ribs for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place cooled ribs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve that tender texture and deep flavors you worked so hard to build.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in or boneless short ribs for this recipe?
Yes! Both bone-in and boneless ribs work wonderfully. Bone-in ribs tend to bring extra flavor to the broth, but boneless ribs are easier to eat and still become incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
Do I need to brown the ribs before slow cooking?
Browning is optional but recommended if you want enhanced flavor and a beautiful crust. It adds depth and caramelization, but the slow cooker will still produce tender, delicious ribs without this step.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ribs in a single or comfortable layer, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure even tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, the Instant Pot can speed up cooking time significantly, usually taking about 45-60 minutes on the meat/stew setting. Just be sure to deglaze well and follow pressure cooking guidelines for best results.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The leftover sauce is pure gold! Use it as a gravy for mashed potatoes, a rich dip for crusty bread, or even a flavorful base for soups and stews. It’s packed with savory goodness that deserves to be repurposed.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas. It’s perfect for easy, feel-good dinners that everyone will rave about. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch as your slow cooker works its magic, bringing out the rich, tender flavors that only slow-cooked ribs can deliver.
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Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are a comforting classic dish where tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, and rosemary. This easy recipe makes for a perfect hearty meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs
- 4 pounds beef short ribs (about 8 ribs, boneless or bone-in)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Broth and Seasonings
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Season the ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season each rib evenly with salt and black pepper on all sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. This allows even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the ribs. Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder evenly, then add the fresh rosemary sprig to infuse the ribs with aromatic flavor.
- Slow cook the ribs: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. The low and slow cooking method breaks down connective tissue, making the ribs tender and juicy.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Serve with the cooking juices or reduce the liquid on the stovetop to make a thicker sauce, if desired. Enjoy your tender, flavorful beef short ribs.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, brown the ribs in a hot pan before placing in the slow cooker.
- Bone-in ribs add more richness but boneless ribs cook more quickly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The cooking liquid can be strained and thickened with a cornstarch slurry to make a delicious gravy.
- Adjust seasoning levels to taste, adding extra salt or Worcestershire sauce as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
