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Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 8 hours

Description

Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef slow-cooked to perfection. The short ribs are seasoned and seared to lock in flavor, then placed in a crockpot with a rich blend of beef broth, red wine, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. As they cook low and slow, the ribs become incredibly tender, soaking up the savory, flavorful juices. The result is a hearty, fall-off-the-bone dish that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, these short ribs are a show-stopping meal made effortlessly in the crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs:

  • 3–4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (Halal-certified)
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with more beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish, beef short ribs are rich in flavor and become tender and juicy when slow-cooked. They are ideal for braising, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and savory richness to the cooking liquid, which becomes the base for the sauce.
  • Red Wine (Optional): Red wine enhances the flavor of the beef, providing a deep, rich undertone to the sauce. You can skip it if preferred, using extra beef broth instead.
  • Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika infuse the ribs with savory, aromatic flavors, while garlic and onion add essential flavor to the broth.
  • Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients add umami and depth to the sauce, rounding out the flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs:

1. Brown the Beef Short Ribs:

  1. Sear the Ribs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the beef short ribs dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs in batches, turning them until they are browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step helps develop a rich flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
  2. Transfer to Crockpot: Once browned, transfer the ribs to the crockpot and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits left from the short ribs—this adds flavor to the sauce.
  3. Season the Sauce: Add the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

3. Slow Cook the Beef Short Ribs:

  1. Transfer the Sauce to the Crockpot: Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the crockpot, making sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a bit more broth to cover the ribs.
  2. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The ribs are done when they are fork-tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

  1. Thicken the Sauce: Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the crockpot and set them aside. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the crockpot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve the Ribs: Place the beef short ribs on a serving platter, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 40g

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Find it online: https://epicuremeals.com/super-tender-crockpot-beef-short-ribs/