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Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

This Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring succulent ribs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. With a blend of savory seasonings, red wine, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, these ribs become incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for an easy dinner, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, delivering gourmet-style ribs with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Short Ribs

  • 4 to 5 lbs beef short ribs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Sauces

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Others

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Season the Ribs: Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Sear the Ribs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the ribs to the crockpot once done.
  3. Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor.
  4. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
  5. Make the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Combine and Add Bay Leaves: Pour the sauce evenly over the short ribs in the crockpot and add the bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
  7. Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the ribs are super tender and almost falling off the bone.
  8. Rest the Ribs: Carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and cover them to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
  9. Make the Sauce (Optional): Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, skim off any excess fat, then simmer over medium heat until reduced and thickened to your liking.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the short ribs with the rich sauce spooned over the top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can skip the red wine for a non-alcoholic version; the sauce will still be richly flavorful.
  • Make sure to sear the ribs well for a deep, savory crust which greatly enhances the final flavor.
  • Slow cooking low and slow yields the most tender results; if time allows, opt for the 8-10 hour low setting.
  • The sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker gravy.
  • Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef short ribs, crockpot ribs, slow cooker beef, tender beef ribs, comfort food, easy crockpot dinner