These beef short ribs are super tender and just melt in your mouth! Cooked slowly in a crockpot, they soak up all the tasty flavors of garlic, onions, and your favorite spices.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that makes your house smell amazing? I love serving these with mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish! Look for well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness. If they’re not available, you can use chuck roast cut into large pieces instead.
Red Wine: It adds great depth to the flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, simply double the beef broth. Some people like using a splash of balsamic vinegar for a bit of tang!
Soy Sauce: This gives a nice umami kick. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari work well as substitutes.
Brown Sugar: It helps balance the flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup instead. Just adjust the amount to taste!
What’s the Best Way to Brown the Ribs?
Browning the short ribs is key to building flavor. Here’s how you do it:
- Use a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once hot, carefully place the short ribs in, making sure not to crowd the pan. This allows better browning.
- Brown for 2-3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. This step adds layers of flavor when they slow-cook.
Tip: Don’t rush this step! The golden-brown bits stuck in the pan contribute to a richer sauce later.
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-5 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prep and then you let it cook in the crockpot for 8-9 hours on low. Perfect for a cozy day at home, where you can just set it and forget it until dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Short Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This helps to enhance the flavors and get that delicious succulent taste.
2. Browning the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the short ribs. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This will help lock in all those tasty juices! After browning, transfer the ribs to the crockpot.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant.
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, stir in the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. All that flavor will make the sauce fantastic!
5. Combining It All:
Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the crockpot. Toss in the bay leaves as well. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
6. Slow Cooking:
Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and practically falling off the bone. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once done, carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and keep them warm. Discard the bay leaves. If you’d like, you can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it until it reduces to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the beef short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top and garnish everything with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner!
Enjoy your super tender, flavorful crockpot beef short ribs!
FAQ for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs! However, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before use. This allows for even cooking and helps with browning.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Wine?
If you’d rather not use red wine, you can easily substitute it with additional beef broth. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the flavor profile!
Can I Cook This on High Instead of Low?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook the short ribs on high for about 4-5 hours. Just keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary between crockpot models.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain tenderness.
