These Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are a true comfort food! The slow cooking makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, and they are packed with rich flavor. Yum!
Cooking them in the crockpot means you can set it and forget it while the delicious smells fill your home. I love serving these over mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish. Choose well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness. If short ribs are hard to find, you can use chuck roast, but adjust cooking time for better results.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key for flavor. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Red Wine: It adds depth to the sauce! If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for some acidity.
Soy Sauce: This gives umami and richness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari which has a similar flavor.
What Should I Know About Browning the Meat?
Browning the short ribs before adding them to the crockpot is an important step. This develops a deep, rich flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil.
- Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can trap steam and prevent browning. Do it in batches if necessary!
Taking this extra step makes all the difference for flavor, so it’s worth the time!
How Do I Make the Sauce Extra Flavorful?
The sauce really ties the dish together. To make it rich:
- After sautéing the onions and garlic, be sure to scrape the browned bits off the skillet. This is called “fond,” and it’s full of flavor!
- The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and tomato paste gives a sweet-savory profile. Adjust these ingredients to taste if you want it sweeter or saltier.
- If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes for a kick!
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute additional beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and needs to cook for either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in your crockpot. So, just set it up in the morning, and you’ll have a scrumptious dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper all over. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Brown the Ribs:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, carefully add the short ribs to the skillet. Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each side. This adds wonderful flavor! Once browned, transfer the ribs to the crockpot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and, if using, the red wine. Then, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for a few minutes.
5. Combine and Cook:
Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily falls off the bone.
6. Final Steps:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and keep them warm. Discard the bay leaves from the sauce. If you want an even thicker sauce, you can strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and reduce it over medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve:
Plate the tender beef short ribs, drizzle them with the delicious sauce, and sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your succulent and flavorful crockpot beef short ribs!
FAQ: Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef short ribs work wonderfully, you can use chuck roast or brisket as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! You can simply substitute the red wine with additional beef broth. If you want to add a touch of acidity, a splash of balsamic vinegar also works great!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before. Just brown the ribs, sauté the onion and garlic, and mix the sauce. Place everything in the fridge in the crockpot insert. In the morning, set it to cook while you’re at work or running errands!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
