Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Slow cooker short ribs are the epitome of comfort food. Rich, tender, and flavorful, they are perfect for those who crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is ideal for busy individuals who want a home-cooked meal ready to go after a long day. By using a slow cooker, the meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, while the flavors meld together to create a deliciously savory dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this slow cooker short ribs recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Short Ribs

To create these mouthwatering slow cooker short ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 ribs)
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil, more as needed
• 2 sweet onions, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 large carrots, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
• Optional herbs for garnish: parsley, rosemary, thyme

this RECIPE

Choosing the Best Short Ribs

When it comes to making the best slow cooker short ribs, the quality of your meat matters. Always opt for bone-in beef short ribs over boneless, as the bone adds extra flavor during the cooking process. Look for ribs with good marbling, which ensures the meat stays juicy and tender as it cooks. You’ll want to avoid ribs that are too lean, as they can dry out during the long cooking time.

Getting Your Short Ribs Ready

Before the slow cooking begins, you need to prepare your short ribs to maximize their flavor. Start by patting the ribs dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a good sear. Next, mix together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Generously season the short ribs on all sides, massaging the spices into the meat.

The next crucial step is searing the ribs. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a deep, brown crust, about 5 minutes per side. This step not only locks in the juices but also adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat that will enhance the overall dish.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are a kitchen essential when it comes to making dishes like short ribs. The low and slow cooking process allows the tough connective tissues in the meat to break down, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The beauty of a slow cooker is that it requires minimal attention—just set it and forget it, letting it work its magic while you go about your day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Short Ribs

1. Sear the Ribs: After seasoning and searing your short ribs, transfer them to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion slices and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step ensures that all those flavorful bits end up in your final dish.
4. Prepare the Broth: Add 2 ½ cups of beef broth, tomato paste, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
5. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Once boiling, carefully pour the mixture over the seared ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring the ribs are fully submerged in the liquid.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
7. Add Vegetables: During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the chopped carrots to the slow cooker. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the cooking time for the carrots to achieve your desired level of tenderness.
8. Serve: Once the ribs are fully cooked and the carrots are tender, remove the bay leaves. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal

To make this dish a well-rounded meal, adding vegetables like carrots is a great idea. Carrots not only add color but also a natural sweetness that complements the rich, savory flavors of the short ribs. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or even mushrooms for added depth and variety. Just be sure to add these vegetables during the last couple of hours of cooking so they don’t become overly soft.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Slow cooker short ribs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious juices from the ribs. Rice is another excellent option, providing a neutral base that lets the flavors of the short ribs shine. For a lighter option, serve the ribs alongside steamed or roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment, perfect for sopping up the rich, savory sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious. To reheat, place the ribs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

For longer storage, the ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Q: Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless short ribs, but bone-in ribs tend to have more flavor due to the marrow and connective tissue.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until it reduces and thickens to your liking. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.

Q: Can I cook the ribs on high the entire time?
A: Cooking on high is an option, but low and slow is generally preferred for achieving the best texture. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4-6 hours will still yield tender, delicious ribs.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Short Ribs Every Time

• Sear the Ribs: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds a deep, rich flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Check the Liquid Levels: If you find the liquid reducing too much during cooking, add a bit more beef broth to keep the ribs moist.
• Season Generously: The slow cooking process can mellow flavors, so don’t be afraid to season the ribs well before searing.

Conclusion

Slow cooker short ribs are the perfect meal for those looking for a rich, comforting dish that requires minimal hands-on time. With the combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can have a gourmet meal ready and waiting when you walk through the door. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make meals!

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