Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are a perfect meal for any day of the week. Cooking them in a slow cooker makes them tender and full of flavor.

This dish is easy to prepare and allows for hands-off cooking, making it great for busy families or anyone who wants a comforting meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

3-Step Directions:

1. Prepare & Sear: Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides in a skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Build Sauce & Cook: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture over the ribs, then cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender.
3. Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

You can serve the beef short ribs with mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also make a complete meal. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for extra flavor and color.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

If you have leftovers, let the beef short ribs cool before storing them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Make sure to sear the ribs well for a richer flavor.
• Don’t skip the garlic and onion; they add depth to the dish.
• You can add carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal in one pot.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can use a different type of wine, like white wine or a light-bodied red. You may also experiment with adding spices like paprika or bay leaves for more complexity.

FAQs

Can I cook this recipe without wine?
Yes, you can replace the red wine with more beef broth or use grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Do I need to brown the ribs first?
While it’s not necessary, browning the ribs adds a lot of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Can I use frozen short ribs?
You can use frozen short ribs, but it may take a bit longer to cook. Make sure they are cooked until tender before serving.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Tender and flavorful beef short ribs cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for busy families seeking a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 485

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine Can be substituted with more beef broth or grape juice for non-alcoholic version.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your taste.
• for garnish Fresh thyme or parsley

Method

 

Preparation & Searing

1. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides in a skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Building Sauce & Cooking

1. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits.
3. Pour this mixture over the ribs, then cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender.

Finishing & Serving

1. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat by thawing in the refrigerator overnight and warming gently.