This Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe makes every bite a juicy delight! With rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat, it’s an easy way to impress anyone at your table.
You won’t believe how simple it is! Just throw everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for lazy weekends or any busy day. Who doesn’t love cooking without the fuss? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish! Bone-in ribs are perfect for a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, beef chuck roast can be a substitute, although it won’t be as rich.
Onion: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions or shallots can work as alternatives. They add great flavor when sautéed.
Beef Broth: You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness in the dish. Chicken broth is a suitable substitute if beef broth isn’t available, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free swap, and coconut aminos can be used for a sweeter taste. Both options work well without sacrificing too much flavor.
Brown Sugar: Feeling adventurous? Use maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Adjust the amount to taste since they can be a bit sweeter than brown sugar.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Short Ribs?
Getting those melt-in-your-mouth ribs is all about cooking low and slow. Here are some tips:
- Searing: Don’t skip searing! It adds to the flavor. Brown them well on each side before moving them to the slow cooker.
- Low Heat: Cooking on low for 8 hours really enhances tenderness. If you’re in a hurry, high for 4-5 hours will do, but for best results, low is best.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to help them hold their juices.
Following these steps will lead to deliciously tender short ribs that you’ll love serving! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Super Tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 8 hours of cooking in the slow cooker (or 4-5 hours on high). It’s super easy to prepare and makes the perfect meal for a busy day when you want to enjoy something rich and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides. This step adds flavor right from the beginning.
2. Searing the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This gives the meat a wonderful depth of flavor! Once done, transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker.
3. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step really enhances the flavor of the dish!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
Now, stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything well and bring it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes on the stovetop. This will create a delicious sauce to cook the ribs in.
5. Combining Everything:
Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the ribs in the slow cooker. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs and bay leaf on top, which will infuse the dish with additional flavors as it cooks.
6. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are super tender and practically falling off the bone.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Discard the rosemary, bay leaf, and any excess fat from the sauce to keep the flavors clean. If you’d like, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes on the stove to thicken it further.
8. Serving:
Serve the short ribs hot with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the delightful flavors and tender meat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! While beef short ribs are perfect for this recipe due to their richness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast or brisket as alternatives. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also, ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of the Sauce?
For a sweeter sauce, you can add more brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider increasing the amount of Worcestershire sauce or adding a splash of vinegar. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust according to your preference!
