Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, melt-off-the-bone ribs infused with rich, savory flavors. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or hosting friends, offering a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds beef short ribs (meaty, well-marbled)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper to help develop a flavorful crust when seared.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs on all sides until nicely browned to lock in juices and add caramelized flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic for a few minutes until fragrant and softened, creating a flavorful base.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared ribs and sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, tomato paste, herbs, soy or Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and any optional vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until ribs are tender and fall off the bone, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Skim off excess fat from the sauce, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the ribs hot with the sauce spooned over them for an indulgent meal.
Notes
- Brown the meat thoroughly to develop deep, complex flavor.
- Cook low and slow for ultimate tenderness.
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasy sauce without losing juiciness.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced aroma.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker to ensure even heat circulation.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer with a cornstarch slurry after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef short ribs, tender beef ribs, slow cooked ribs, easy beef recipe, comfort food, gluten free beef ribs