This super tender crockpot beef short ribs recipe is a meal to impress! The ribs slow-cook to perfection, soaking up all the savory flavors as they become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just add the ingredients, switch on the crockpot, and let it do the work. By dinnertime, you’ll think you’ve turned your kitchen into a fancy restaurant! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of your dish! Look for meaty ribs with some fat for the best flavor. If short ribs aren’t available, you can use chuck roast, but the texture will be a bit different.
Olive Oil: Use this to sear the ribs. It has a great flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil or avocados oil if needed.
Beef Broth: This adds richness. You can replace it with vegetable broth for a lighter version, or if you’re really pressed, water will work, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
Red Wine: It enhances the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with extra beef broth or grape juice mixed with a dash of vinegar for acidity.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add good flavor and nutrition. Feel free to add mushrooms or parsnips if those are what you have on hand!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Short Ribs Are Tender?
The secret to tender beef short ribs is in the slow cooking. Here are the steps to get it right:
- Start by seasoning the ribs well. This enhances the flavor from the start.
- Searing them in olive oil not only locks in the juices but adds a depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- The key is to cook low and slow. Make sure your crockpot is set correctly — 8-9 hours on low really makes the difference.
- When they’re done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute juices within the meat.
By following these tips, you can achieve incredibly tender and flavorful short ribs that will impress everyone at your table! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
This delicious recipe for super tender crockpot beef short ribs will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus 8-9 hours of cooking on low heat (or 4-5 hours on high). It’s a great option if you want to set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks throughout the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by patting the beef short ribs dry with some paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
2. Sear the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the ribs to your crockpot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet (to retain all those delicious flavors), add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits left from searing the ribs. This will create a rich sauce. Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, letting the mixture simmer for around 2 minutes.
5. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture along with the cooked onions and garlic over the short ribs in the crockpot. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot for a complete meal.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The ribs are done when they’re very tender and pull away easily from the bone.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the short ribs and vegetables from the crockpot, keeping them warm. Discard the herb stems and bay leaf. For an optional step, you can pour the remaining cooking liquid into a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and reduce it to a thicker sauce for about 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
8. Enjoy:
Serve the succulent short ribs with the rich sauce drizzled over top, alongside the cooked vegetables. These ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and 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)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
FAQ
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Yes! While beef short ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with chuck roast or brisket. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or grape juice combined with a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
Can I Thicken the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the cooking liquid from the crockpot once the ribs are done, bring it to a boil in a saucepan, and let it simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) while boiling to thicken it further.
