These beef short ribs are cooked slowly and become super tender and juicy. The flavors blend perfectly, making each bite a tasty treat! Who could resist that? Yum!
I love how easy it is to just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners with family. Plus, the leftovers are a bonus! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. If short ribs aren’t available, you could use chuck roast or beef brisket as an alternative.
Red Wine: While optional, red wine really helps deepen the flavor. If you prefer to exclude it, just increase the beef broth to maintain liquid levels. A splash of vinegar can also add some acidity.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. The flavor will still be delicious!
Brown Sugar: It balances the savory elements. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the flavor might slightly change.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Short Ribs?
Browned short ribs bring a rich flavor to the dish, and it’s an important step! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet—medium-high heat is ideal.
- Add olive oil and let it heat up before adding the ribs.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown in batches if needed!
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms. This caramelization is key to great taste.
Once browned, transfer them to the slow cooker and let the flavors meld together during cooking. Enjoy your super tender beef short ribs! 🍽️
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground 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, can substitute with additional beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 8-9 hours of slow cooking on low (or 4-5 hours on high). Just set it and forget it, and come back to an amazing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Brown the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned short ribs. Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until you see a nice caramel color. This adds extra flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
After browning the ribs, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
4. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Now, pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. These bits are tasty! Next, stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix everything well and let it come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine and Cook:
Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Toss in the bay leaves as well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-9 hours, or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is super tender and falls off the bone.
6. Finish Up:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the short ribs and keep them warm. Discard the bay leaves. If you’d like, you can pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it reduce for a bit to thicken it into a lovely gravy.
7. Serve:
Serve the short ribs hot, ladling the rich sauce over the top. They go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or any of your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Yes! While short ribs are ideal for this recipe due to their rich flavor and tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or brisket. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free to keep the entire recipe safe.
Can I Cook This in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! If using an Instant Pot, brown the ribs using the sauté function, then add the sauce ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes and allow a natural pressure release for the most tender results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the ribs in their sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
