Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Are you looking for a comforting meal that’s simple to make? This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe is perfect. The secret to tender ribs is slow cooking. By searing the ribs first and then simmering them in a flavorful liquid, you get a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make.

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender beef with a savory sauce, making it great for any meal. You can make it in your own home with just a few steps, achieving restaurant-quality results.

Key Takeaways

• Slow cooker beef short ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful
• The recipe involves searing the ribs to develop a delicious crust
• A rich, aromatic braising liquid enhances the flavor of the ribs
• Minimal hands-on time is required for this easy-to-prepare dish
• Slow cooking ensures the ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender

What Are Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs?

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are beef ribs that are cooked slowly in liquid. They become so tender they fall off the bone. This slow cooking breaks down the tough parts, making the meat rich, flavorful, and tender.

Defining Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs come from the rib section of the animal. They are shorter and chunkier than regular ribs. This makes them perfect for slow cooking, like braising or stewing.

The slow cooking process softens the tough tissue. This results in meat that is tender and full of flavor.

Types of Beef Short Ribs: Chuck vs. Plate

Beef short ribs have two main types – Chuck Short Ribs and Plate Short Ribs. Chuck Short Ribs come from the shoulder and have a meaty texture. They taste beefy.

Plate Short Ribs are from the lower rib area. They are more marbled, which makes them taste richer and more tender when slow cooked.

Slow cooker beef short ribs are a favorite for a comforting meal. The long cooking time makes the meat tender. It also makes the meat soak up all the flavors of the braising liquid.

Why Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Are Amazing

Slow cooking beef short ribs makes them incredibly tender. The long cooking process breaks down tough tissue. This makes the meat soft and easy to shred with a fork.

Incredible Tenderness

It also infuses the meat with rich flavors. The braising liquid, herbs, and aromatics mix well with the meat. This creates a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic.

Aromatic and Flavorful

Slow cooker beef short ribs are easy to make. After searing, the slow cooker does the rest. You can just set it and forget it, letting the ribs become tender and flavorful.

Mostly Hands-Off Cooking

The slow cooking process makes the beef short ribs tender and flavorful. The long cooking time lets the flavors deeply infuse into the meat. This results in a complex and satisfying meal with little effort.

Preparing Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Choosing the Right Short Ribs

When picking beef short ribs, look for ones with lots of marbling and a deep red color. Stay away from ribs that are discolored or have too much fat on the surface. Both bone-in and boneless ribs work well, but bone-in ribs bring more flavor and richness.

Searing for Maximum Flavor

Even though the slow cooker does most of the work, searing the ribs first is key for flavor. This step creates a tasty caramelized crust that enriches the dish.

While searing is recommended for extra flavor, it’s okay to skip it if you’re short on time. Bone-in ribs are best for this recipe, but boneless ribs also work well.

Place the ribs in one layer in the slow cooker. Make sure the sauce covers them fully, but they don’t have to be fully submerged. The longer they cook, the more tender they get.

“For tender beef short ribs, the recommended cooking method is ‘slow and low,’ either in a slow cooker or through braising.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 12 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

The recipe makes 4 to 5 servings, with an average rating of 4.78 from 9 votes. Each serving has 458 calories, 26g of fat, and 35g of protein.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Slow cooker beef short ribs are a true delight for tender, flavorful beef. This easy recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth results. Your taste buds will dance with joy. Let’s explore how to make this comfort food masterpiece.

1. Start by searing the beef short ribs on all sides in a hot skillet. This locks in the juices and boosts the flavor.
2. Next, mix the braising liquid. Use beef broth, red wine, and aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs.
3. Place the seared short ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the flavorful braising liquid over them.
4. Cover and let it cook. The short ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender after 8 hours on high or 11-12 hours on low.

The result is a dish full of robust, savory flavors and tender texture. Serve these slow cooker beef short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower. These sides will soak up every last drop of the delicious braising liquid.

This slow cooker beef short ribs recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a comforting meal. Enjoy the aroma, indulge in the tenderness, and savor the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients for Flavorful Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Making the perfect slow cooker beef short ribs begins with the right ingredients. The star of the dish, beef short ribs, needs to be well-marbled for great taste and tenderness. You can pick either bone-in or boneless short ribs, based on what you like.

Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are a tough but tasty cut of meat. Look for ribs that are full of fat. This fat keeps the meat tender and juicy while it cooks slowly.

Aromatics and Seasonings

The key aromatics and seasonings are onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Together, they make a rich, savory, and aromatic braising liquid. This liquid fills the beef with deep, comforting flavors.

Braising Liquid

The braising liquid is made of beef broth, red wine, and a bit of honey. The wine brings complexity and depth of flavor. The beef broth and honey balance the acidity and make the meat beautifully glazed and fall-off-the-bone tender.

With these essential ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious slow cooker beef short ribs dish. It’s sure to please your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making delicious slow cooker beef short ribs is easy and rewarding. Here’s how to make sure your dish is tender and full of flavor.

Searing the Short Ribs

First, the short ribs are seared in a hot skillet. This step is key to adding depth of flavor. It caramelizes the exterior of the meat.

Building the Braising Liquid

Next, the skillet is used to sauté the aromatics. Then, the pan is deglazed with red wine and beef broth. This step adds more flavor by mixing in the browned bits.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Now, the seared short ribs go into the slow cooker. The braising liquid is poured over them. They cook low and slow for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. This makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.