What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? Rich flavors and tender texture, of course. My crockpot beef short ribs recipe delivers just that with fall-off-the-bone beef and a homemade sauce. Braised to perfection in a slow cooker, this easy dish is a family favorite. Save this idea for a deliciously stress-free meal.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Introduction

Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the help of a crockpot, you can create tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs that are packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both creative and mouth-watering. The slow-cooked short ribs are infused with a rich, velvety sauce that’s made with red wine, beef broth, and a blend of aromatic spices. Whether you’re a busy parent or an avid foodie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe combines the deep, meaty flavor of short ribs with the brightness of vegetables and the richness of a red wine sauce, all made with easily accessible ingredients.
Ease of preparation: The beauty of using a crockpot is that you can simply add all the ingredients and let the appliance do the work for you, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a dish that’s sure to impress friends and family with its tender texture and complex flavors.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include beef short ribs, red wine, beef broth, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves. For practical substitutions, you can use other types of red wine or beef broth, and you can also add other vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms to the crockpot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little cornstarch or flour to the sauce before serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by seasoning the short ribs with salt and pepper. Then, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until they’re browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Add more oil to the skillet if necessary, then add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add the red wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the wine to a simmer and cook until it’s almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes. Then, add the beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Place the browned short ribs in the crockpot and pour the sauce and vegetables over them. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. When the ribs are tender and falling off the bone, remove them from the crockpot and serve with the rich, velvety sauce spooned over the top.

Handy Tips

Use a good quality red wine for the best flavor. You don’t need to use an expensive wine, but avoid using a very cheap or bitter wine.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the short ribs. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to brown evenly.
Let the short ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

Heat Control

When cooking the short ribs, it’s essential to use low and slow heat to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. If using a crockpot, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If you prefer to cook the short ribs in the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Crunch Factor

The short ribs should be tender and falling off the bone, with a rich, velvety sauce. To achieve this, it’s crucial to cook the ribs low and slow, allowing the connective tissues to break down and the meat to become tender. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add some crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs on top of the short ribs before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a rack in the crockpot to elevate the short ribs and prevent them from sitting in the sauce. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Brown the short ribs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This will create a rich, caramelized crust on the meat that adds depth and flavor to the dish.
Let the sauce cool and refrigerate it overnight before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, making it even more rich and velvety.

Storage Tips

Let the short ribs cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the meat fresh.
Store the short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ribs in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freeze the short ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen short ribs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While short ribs may not be the most obvious gift, you can package them in a beautiful and thoughtful way. Consider placing the short ribs in a decorative ceramic dish or a wooden crate, and garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers. You can also include a side of roasted vegetables or a crusty loaf of bread to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

Try using different types of wine, such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon, to change the flavor profile of the sauce.
Add some Asian-inspired flavors, such as soy sauce or ginger, to give the short ribs a unique twist.
Use different types of meat, such as pork or lamb, to create a variation on the recipe.

Troubleshooting

If the short ribs are not tender, try cooking them for a longer period or using a meat tenderizer.
If the sauce is too thin, try reducing it on the stovetop or adding a little cornstarch or flour to thicken it.
If the short ribs are overcooked, try using a thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the short ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen short ribs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of the red wine and beef broth to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to use a larger crockpot or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cooking crockpot beef short ribs is a simple and delicious way to create a mouth-watering meal. With the help of a crockpot, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent or an avid foodie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the rich, velvety sauce and tender short ribs that are sure to impress friends and family.

Fall Off Beef Short Ribs So Tender