Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are a tender and tasty dish that cooks slowly until the meat is fall-off-the-bone delicious. Just toss the ribs in the crockpot, add your favorite seasonings, and let it work its magic!
The best part? Your kitchen will smell amazing while these cook. I love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or on a bun for a hearty meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish, well-marbled for great flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, chuck roast or back ribs can work, but the texture and flavor will vary.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for searing the meat. If you need a substitute, avocado oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point.
Red Wine: This ingredient adds richness to the sauce. If you prefer to skip it, a bit more beef broth or even grape juice with a splash of vinegar can offer a similar depth.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: Both add umami flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free swaps.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme is recommended for its aromatic qualities. If you don’t have fresh, use half the dried thyme. You can also try rosemary for a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Short Ribs for Maximum Flavor?
Searing adds a wonderful depth to your beef short ribs, and it’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high until hot. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Season the ribs generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place ribs in the skillet without crowding them. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
- Don’t rush! The browning brings out a rich flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Once seared, transfer them to the crockpot to soak in all the flavors during cooking. Trust me, this step makes a big difference!
How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and cooking time, plus 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper. This is essential to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Ribs:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they’re nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step really adds depth to the flavor, so don’t skip it!
3. Transfer to Crockpot:
Once seared, transfer the short ribs to the crockpot. This is where they will cook slowly and become tender.
4. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet you used for the ribs, add the diced onion. Cook until it softens, around 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. This will add more delicious flavor!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves to create a rich sauce.
6. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour this tasty mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot. Make sure they are well covered with the sauce for maximum flavor during cooking!
7. Cook!
Cover the crockpot and cook the beef on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone easily. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve the Ribs:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the short ribs from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Don’t forget to discard the bay leaves!
9. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer it until it reduces to your liking. This step is totally optional but adds a wonderful touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious, tender beef short ribs drizzled with the sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy every bite of this cozy meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat Instead of Short Ribs?
Yes, you can! Beef chuck roast or brisket can be great alternatives, though the cooking time may differ slightly. Make sure to cut the meat into large chunks to allow it to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! You can either substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or use grape juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar flavor profile. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to your taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in freezer-safe containers, and they will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before by searing the ribs and prepping the sauce. Store everything separately in the fridge, then combine and cook in the crockpot the next day. This can also help the flavors meld even more!
