Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4-6 beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if you have it)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
Instructions:
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Sear the short ribs (optional but adds flavor): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs on all sides for about 3-4 minutes, until browned. This step will enhance the flavor of the ribs, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
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Prepare the crockpot: Transfer the seared short ribs into the slow cooker.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine and bring it to a simmer for a couple of minutes. (If you’re using red wine, add it here and simmer for 2 minutes.)
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Transfer to the crockpot: Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the crockpot.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and falling off the bone.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the crockpot. Discard the bay leaves. You can serve the short ribs as is, or optionally, you can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it on the stove for about 5-10 minutes to reduce it slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are perfect for a cozy, low-maintenance dinner that delivers big on flavor. The slow-cooked ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is rich and savory. Enjoy!
