CrockPot Short Ribs are one of those meals that completely transform your kitchen into a place of comfort the moment they start cooking.
When I made this CrockPot Short Ribs recipe, the rich aroma of slow-simmered beef, garlic, and herbs gradually filled the air, making it almost impossible to wait until dinner.
By the time the CrockPot Short Ribs were done, they were incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone with the slightest touch. The sauce had developed into a deep, savory blend with just the right balance of richness and subtle sweetness.
What I love most about this CrockPot Short Ribs recipe is how effortless it feels. After a bit of preparation, the crockpot does all the work, giving you hours of slow cooking that result in restaurant-quality flavor.
Key Ingredients in CrockPot Short Ribs
When I prepared these CrockPot Short Ribs, I realized how each ingredient plays a specific role in building layers of flavor.
4 to 5 lbs beef short ribs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
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CrockPot Short Ribs
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
CrockPot Short Ribs are slow-cooked beef ribs simmered in a rich blend of beef broth, garlic, onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, creating a tender, flavorful dish with a deep, savory sauce.
Ingredients
4 to 5 lbs beef short ribs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Sear the Ribs:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once done, transfer the ribs to the crockpot.
3. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they add great flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the onions in the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. This step will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
5. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring this mixture to a simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Combine and Add Bay Leaves:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the short ribs in the crockpot. Don’t forget to add the bay leaves for extra flavor!
7. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours. You’re looking for the ribs to be super tender and practically falling off the bone.
8. Rest the Ribs:
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and cover them to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
9. Make the Sauce (Optional):
If you want to enhance the sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Skim off any excess fat, then simmer over medium heat until it’s reduced and thickened to your liking.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the short ribs with the delicious sauce spooned over the top. They’re fantastic alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides. Enjoy your meal!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
If you enjoy comforting meals like CrockPot greek lemon chicken and potatoes or even something creamy like Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Skillet, this CrockPot Short Ribs will easily become a favorite in your kitchen.
How to CrockPot Short Ribs Step-by-Step
- I started by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure every side was well coated.
- Then I heated olive oil in a skillet and seared the ribs until they developed a deep brown crust, which added so much flavor. After that, I transferred them to the crockpot.
- In the same pan, I sautéed the sliced onions until soft, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- I added the minced garlic and cooked it briefly until fragrant, which instantly made the kitchen smell incredible.
- Next, I stirred in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, and spices, letting everything simmer together for a couple of minutes.
- I poured this rich sauce over the ribs in the crockpot and added the bay leaves.
- Then I let the crockpot do its magic, cooking on low for several hours until the ribs were perfectly tender.
- Once done, I carefully removed the ribs and kept them warm.
- I reduced the cooking liquid on the stove to create a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Finally, I served the ribs with the sauce spooned generously over the top.
Serving Ideas and Tips
- Serve these short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the sauce.
- Pair them with rice or buttered noodles for a simple but satisfying meal.
- Add a fresh side dish like a crisp salad to balance the richness.
- For extra flavor, make the dish a day ahead—the taste deepens even more overnight.
- Skim excess fat from the sauce for a smoother finish.
Conclusion
Making these CrockPot Short Ribs felt like creating something truly comforting with minimal effort. The slow cooking brings out deep, rich flavors that make every bite satisfying. CrockPot Short Ribs is the kind of recipe I come back to when I want something warm, hearty, and guaranteed to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.