Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the epitome of comfort food. With tender, fall-apart beef slow-cooked in rich broth and fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to warm you up on chilly days. The blend of thyme, rosemary, and garlic infuses every bite with deep, savory flavors, making each mouthful a delight. Served alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread, this hearty dish becomes the perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. Simple to prepare but full of gourmet taste, these short ribs are perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss meal that delivers big on flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 ribs)
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil, more as needed
- 2 sweet onions, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 large carrots, cut into 1-inch rounds
- Fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel. Mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne together, and season the ribs evenly.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 5 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then transfer to the slow cooker, pouring over the ribs.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or on HIGH for 4-6 hours) until the ribs are tender.
- Add carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) / 4-6 hours (HIGH) | Total Time: ~6-8 hours
Kcal: 1053 kcal | Servings: 6
Why Slow Cooker Short Ribs Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are a culinary marvel when it comes to comfort food. There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that slowly simmers for hours, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas of beef, herbs, and rich broth. These tender, fall-apart short ribs are not just an easy dinner option—they’re a perfect meal for those who appreciate hearty, flavorful dishes that require minimal effort but yield maximum flavor.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the history of short ribs, the benefits of slow cooking, why this particular recipe stands out, and how it can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
A Brief History of Short Ribs
Short ribs are cut from the lower part of the cow’s rib section and are known for their robust flavor and satisfying texture. Historically, short ribs were considered a less desirable cut of beef due to their toughness, requiring long and slow cooking methods to tenderize. But today, this once humble cut has become a star in gourmet and home kitchens alike, thanks to its rich, beefy flavor.
Slow-cooked short ribs have roots in various cultures, from Korean-style braised ribs (Galbi) to French cuisine’s “boeuf bourguignon” and traditional American barbecue. What makes short ribs so versatile is their ability to absorb flavors from herbs, spices, and liquids like broths or wines, transforming them into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish.
Why Slow Cooking Makes This Recipe Special
One of the main reasons this Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe is so popular is its use of the slow cooker (or crockpot). This cooking method breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in a texture so tender that it falls apart with the touch of a fork. By cooking the short ribs low and slow, you’re able to unlock flavors that aren’t possible with quicker cooking methods.
Here are some benefits of using a slow cooker for this recipe:
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve seared the ribs and combined the ingredients, you can set the slow cooker and walk away. There’s no need to stand over the stove, which makes it perfect for busy days.
- Enhanced Flavor Development: The slow cooking process allows the beef to marinate in its juices for hours, absorbing the flavors of garlic, onions, herbs, and broth. The result is a deep, complex flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
- Tender Texture: Short ribs can be tough if not cooked properly, but the slow cooker ensures the meat becomes fall-apart tender. Even the toughest cuts transform into succulent morsels after hours of slow cooking.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Not all slow cooker short ribs recipes are created equal, but this particular version is packed with well-balanced flavors and has a simplicity that makes it accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks. Here’s why this recipe is a standout:
- Balanced Seasoning: The combination of salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper gives the ribs a rich, savory flavor with just a hint of spice. The seasoning blend is simple but effective, enhancing the natural taste of the beef.
- Aromatic Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add layers of earthiness and fragrance to the dish. These herbs pair perfectly with the beef, complementing its richness without overpowering it. The bay leaves add a subtle bitterness that rounds out the flavors.
- Versatile Cooking Liquid: The recipe offers flexibility with the choice of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, each adding its unique depth to the dish. Balsamic vinegar gives a slightly sweet, tangy undertone, while Worcestershire offers a more savory, umami flavor. Either choice works beautifully to balance the beefiness of the short ribs.
- Customizable Vegetables: The addition of carrots in this recipe not only provides texture and a slight sweetness but also makes it a one-pot meal. You can easily swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips based on personal preference, making this recipe versatile and customizable to your taste.
Health Benefits of This Dish
While Slow Cooker Short Ribs are often considered indulgent, they can actually offer several health benefits, especially when balanced with the right side dishes. Here’s how this dish can contribute to a nutritious, balanced meal:
- Rich in Protein: Beef short ribs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein, keeping you full and energized.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: The carrots in this recipe add valuable vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to eye health, digestion, and overall immunity.
- Healthy Fats: The avocado oil used for searing the meat is a heart-healthy fat that is rich in monounsaturated fats. These fats help lower bad cholesterol and support overall cardiovascular health.
- Bone Broth Benefits: If you opt for bone-in short ribs, you’ll also benefit from the minerals and collagen that leach out of the bones during the long cooking process. Collagen is great for joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health.
To balance the richness of the short ribs, serving them alongside fiber-rich side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even cauliflower rice can make this meal not just delicious, but also wholesome and nutritious.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Short Ribs
- Browning the Meat: While it might be tempting to skip the searing step to save time, don’t! Browning the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker caramelizes the surface and locks in flavor. It also gives the final dish a beautiful color.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Although you can cook the short ribs on HIGH for 4-6 hours, using the LOW setting for 6-8 hours will give you the best results. The low and slow method allows the collagen and connective tissue in the ribs to break down fully, making the meat incredibly tender.
- Adjusting the Thickness of the Gravy: If your gravy turns out too thin, simply remove the ribs and vegetables, and make a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Be patient, as the gravy will continue to thicken as it sits. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, a little extra broth can thin it out to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve these short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice. The rich gravy pairs perfectly with these sides, making it a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest eaters. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or even a side salad for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the slow-cooked tenderness of the beef to the aromatic herbs and flavorful gravy, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just a cozy dinner at home, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and gourmet results, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen, especially during colder months when warm, hearty meals are a must.
