3 Easy Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipes

When it comes to culinary delights that are both flavorful and easy to prepare, slow cooker beef short ribs rank at the top. Perfect for those who love the rich taste of slow-cooked meals but have limited time for kitchen chores, these recipes bring out the best in beef short ribs with minimal effort. Here's how you can turn this succulent cut of meat into a comforting masterpiece right in your slow cooker.

1. Classic Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce

The beauty of this classic beef short ribs recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Red wine combined with herbs creates a sophisticated taste that's restaurant-quality but made right at home.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 pounds beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup good red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Steps:

1. Season ribs with salt and pepper generously.
2. Brown the ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat to lock in the juices, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they start to brown.
4. Add wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the tasty bits.
5. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine, then pour over the ribs in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

💡 Note: To thicken the sauce, you can transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after cooking, and reduce it by simmering.

2. Honey-Garlic Beef Short Ribs

Looking for a sweet and savory twist on short ribs? This honey-garlic recipe is your answer. It's the perfect combination of sweet honey, robust garlic, and tender beef.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 pounds beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for heat)

Steps:

1. Season the ribs with salt and pepper, then brown them in a skillet.
2. Place browned ribs in the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, ginger, and sriracha. Pour this mixture over the ribs.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is very tender.

3. BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Nothing screams summer quite like BBQ, and these BBQ beef short ribs are an absolute must-try for all barbecue enthusiasts. With a slow cooker, you can enjoy the rich, smoky flavors without firing up the grill.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

Steps:

1. Season ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Brown ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place ribs in the slow cooker.
4. Mix barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and liquid smoke if using, then pour over the ribs.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the ribs are tender.

Each of these recipes transforms beef short ribs into a tender, fall-apart meat dish that's perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner. The slow cooker does the hard work, allowing flavors to meld and soften the meat until it's perfectly tender. Whether you prefer the classic richness of red wine, the sweet-savory balance of honey-garlic, or the smoky, BBQ touch, there's a recipe here for every taste. Enjoy these dishes with your favorite sides, or use the braising liquid as a base for sauces, gravies, or a rich broth. The versatility of beef short ribs in a slow cooker truly makes it a comfort food gem.

Can I use frozen beef short ribs?

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Yes, you can use frozen beef short ribs, but for best results, thaw them first to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.

What are the best sides to serve with slow cooker short ribs?

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Consider pairing your beef short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meat.

How can I thicken the sauce in slow cooker recipes?

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After cooking, you can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and reducing it over medium heat, or by using a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) and adding it back to the slow cooker.