Slow-Cooked Perfection: Irresistible Crockpot Beef Short Ribs 🥩🍖
There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Crockpot Beef Short Ribs simmering away in your kitchen. This dish is a showstopper, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone beef infused with a robust, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With a few simple steps and your trusty crockpot, you can create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Hands-Off Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work while you relax.
Packed with Flavor: A perfectly balanced sauce enhances the natural richness of the beef.
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Ingredients
For the Ribs:
3 lbs beef short ribs: The star of the dish, offering rich, marbled meat that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the ribs, which locks in flavor and adds depth.
For the Sauce:
1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a hint of spice.
2 cups beef broth: The liquid base that keeps the ribs moist and flavorful.
1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth): Adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Infuses the dish with umami and saltiness.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s richness and adds body.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a tangy, savory depth.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Brings a fragrant, earthy aroma.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle, herbaceous note.
2 bay leaves: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of bitterness.
For the Vegetables:
1 cup carrots, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
1 cup celery, chopped: Provides a mild, earthy flavor and complements the sauce.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Short Ribs
Season Generously: Sprinkle the short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring every side is coated.
Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor. Transfer the ribs to your crockpot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Sauce
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet—this adds incredible flavor.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer for a couple of minutes to dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors.
4. Combine and Cook
Assemble in Crockpot: Pour the sauce over the ribs in the crockpot. Add the carrots and celery.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily falls off the bone.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Finish Up: Remove the short ribs from the crockpot and discard the bay leaves.
Plate and Serve: Serve the ribs with your choice of side dishes, spooning the rich sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Short Ribs
Sear the Ribs: Don’t skip this step—it enhances the flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce.
Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen when made a day ahead, making this an ideal prep-ahead dish.
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Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every drop of the rich gravy.
Steamed Green Beans: A fresh, crisp side to balance the hearty dish.
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Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe is the ultimate in slow-cooked comfort food. With minimal prep and a long, luxurious simmer, you’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful ribs that practically melt in your mouth. The savory sauce, enriched with wine and herbs, elevates this dish to gourmet status.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious—this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
So grab your crockpot, prep your ingredients, and let this irresistible recipe work its magic! Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
