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Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

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These crockpot beef short ribs are fall-apart tender, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a rich, savory sauce perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs (English cut)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (or substitute with extra broth)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • Optional: 1 parsnip, chopped
  • Optional: Additional herbs (rosemary, parsley, oregano)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Optional but recommended: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer seared ribs to the crockpot.
  3. Slice the onion, chop the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Prep mushrooms or parsnip if using.
  4. Optional: In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until starting to soften. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Transfer veggies to the crockpot, scattering under and around the ribs.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over the ribs and veggies in the crockpot.
  6. Tuck in bay leaves and thyme sprigs (or sprinkle dried thyme). Cover with the lid.
  7. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.
  8. Gently remove ribs with tongs. Skim excess fat from the sauce. For a thicker sauce, simmer it in a saucepan on the stovetop for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Serve ribs over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Spoon sauce and veggies over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, sear the ribs before slow cooking and sauté the veggies. Layer veggies on the bottom of the crockpot and ribs on top. Deglaze the skillet with broth or wine and add to the crockpot for extra flavor. Skim fat before serving. Sauce can be thickened by simmering on the stovetop. Store leftovers in sauce for best results. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems before serving. Check all sauces and broths for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef short ribs, slow cooker short ribs, easy beef dinner, comfort food, family dinner, make ahead, gluten-free option, hearty beef recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crockpot-beef-short-ribs-recipe-best-easy-slow-cooker-dinner/