Let me tell you about my latest obsession: Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs! This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a symphony of savory goodness that will have you licking your plate clean. I’m talking fall-off-the-bone tender, rich, and utterly unforgettable. This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs embodies everything Cuba Queen is about: bold, unapologetic flavors that turn any meal into a fiesta! Get ready, because your kitchen is about to become the hottest restaurant in town!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This

This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

3-4 lbs Beef Short Ribs: Look for meaty ones with good marbling for maximum flavor. Don’t skimp here!
1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the ribs – don’t skip this step, it’s key for that deep, rich flavor.
1 large Onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the braising liquid.
4 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is life, am I right? Don’t be shy!
1 cup Beef Broth: Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
1 cup Dry Red Wine: This is the game-changer that will blow your mind! A good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works wonders.
2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Umami bomb!
1 tsp Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Complements the beef beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Season generously – these ribs can handle it!

You’ll find the best red wine for this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs at your local liquor store. Splurge on a decent bottle – you’ll be drinking the rest with your meal anyway! For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if you have them, but dried works perfectly fine in a pinch. These Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs will still be incredible!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! Don’t stress – your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs is going to be incredible. Before we dive into the process, for those looking for additional tips, there are recipes like Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs with Rich Gravy – Nicky’s Kitchen that offer some great advice.

Sear the Ribs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing that rich, savory flavor that makes these Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs so addictive. Pro tip for Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs perfection: don’t overcrowd the pan! Sear in batches if necessary.

Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to smell AMAZING!

Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor lives, so don’t miss this step! Simmer for a few minutes to reduce the wine slightly.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

Add the Ribs

Place the seared beef short ribs into the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The ribs are ready when they are fall-off-the-bone tender. In my kitchen, this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs takes exactly 7 hours on low to reach that perfect tenderness.

Shred and Serve

Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and shred the meat with a fork. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Serve the shredded beef short ribs with the braising liquid spooned over the top. Your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs should look rich and dark brown and smell unbelievably savory. This is where your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs transforms into pure magic! If you’re interested in learning more, you could check out this Crockpot Braised Short Ribs – I Am Homesteader recipe for additional tips.

Here’s where most people mess up their braised beef ribs slow cooker – they don’t sear the ribs properly! Don’t skip that step, amiga; it makes all the difference. While your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! You might also enjoy this Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew.

PRESENTATION

Presentation is everything, amiga! You want to make these Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs look as good as they taste.

Classic: Serve the shredded Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, drizzled with the braising liquid. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.
Fancy: Serve the ribs over a bed of risotto or alongside roasted vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Casual: Pile the shredded beef short ribs onto crusty bread for an epic sandwich or sliders.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs at dinner parties! Pair these tender slow cooker short ribs with a bold red wine – the same one you used in the recipe. This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs absolutely slays at dinner parties!

For a seasonal twist, try adding some chopped root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to the slow cooker during the last few hours of cooking. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), use the shredded beef short ribs in tacos, quesadillas, or even in a shepherd’s pie. This variation on Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs is always a hit!

This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs reminds me of another flavor explosion – try this Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle those Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs cooking challenges. For more inspiration, consider exploring Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce – RecipeTin Eats for different perspectives.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker for a kick.
What if I don’t have red wine? You can substitute with beef broth, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a bit of depth.
How do I know when my Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs is perfectly done? The ribs are ready when the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and easily shreds with a fork. If they’re not quite there, cook them for a bit longer.
Can I use different cuts of beef? While short ribs are ideal, you could use chuck roast as a substitute, but it won’t be quite as tender.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Yes! Carrots, potatoes, and celery are all great additions. Add them during the last few hours of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
How do I thicken the sauce? After removing the ribs, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on high for a few minutes until thickened.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Sear the ribs using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Then, release the remaining pressure manually.

I’ve tested this recipe countless times, tweaking the flavors and adjusting the cooking times until it was absolutely perfect. This slow cooker beef ribs recipe is fool proof! One time, I accidentally added a little too much thyme, and it overpowered the other flavors. That’s why I recommend sticking to the measurements in the recipe. The community has been raving about how easy and delicious this recipe is! They love that it’s so flavorful and requires minimal effort.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize this recipe to your liking. This recipe for easy slow cooker short ribs is super versatile! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Now you have the recipe for tender slow cooker short ribs!

CONCLUSION

This Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, a testament to the power of slow cooking, and a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It embodies everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, joyful cooking, and unforgettable meals.

My Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Power Tips:

Don’t skip the searing! It’s crucial for developing that rich, savory flavor.
Use a good quality red wine. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Be patient! Slow cooking is key for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Variations I’ve Created and Loved:

Spicy Chipotle Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs: Add a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an umami-rich flavor.
BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs: Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist.

The Spicy Chipotle version always gets the biggest reactions! Amiga, I’m confident that you can make this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs your signature dish.

Now go forth and create some flavor memories! And don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! For more bold flavor adventures, check out this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs – your new favorite meal is waiting!

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Print Recipe

Tender and flavorful beef short ribs, slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for a comforting family meal.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 500 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs beef short ribs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then pour over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Remove short ribs from the slow cooker and set aside. Discard bay leaf.
Skim fat from the surface of the sauce. If desired, thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering over medium heat until reduced, about 10-15 minutes.
Return short ribs to the slow cooker or saucepan with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. A dollop of creamy horseradish sauce complements the richness of the short ribs.