Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and requires practically no effort, then Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are the answer! Imagine tender, melt-off-the-bone beef ribs slowly braised in a savory sauce that’s both rich and deeply satisfying. All you need to do is let the Crockpot work its magic. The result? A comforting, no-fuss dinner that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something about beef short ribs that just screams comfort food. The slow-cooking process breaks down the meat so that it becomes fall-apart tender and juicy. Paired with a rich, savory sauce, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Hands-Off Cooking

All you need to do is set it and forget it. The Crockpot does all the work for you, which is perfect for busy days. Just prep the ingredients, let it cook, and come back to a deliciously comforting meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours.

Flavorful and Savory Sauce

The sauce, made from beef broth, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, perfectly complements the beef short ribs. It’s rich and slightly tangy, with a little sweetness that balances out the savory depth of the beef. Trust me, you’ll want to pour that sauce over everything.

Great for a Crowd

This recipe makes plenty, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

For the Beef Short Ribs:

• Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish. Make sure to choose bone-in short ribs for the best flavor and texture.
• Beef Broth: A savory base that will infuse the meat with moisture and flavor as it cooks.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that deep, umami flavor that makes the sauce so irresistible.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the dish.
• Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic and onion provide a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
• Dried Thyme: A classic herb that pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, to enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs (Optional)

1. Sear the beef: In a hot skillet, add a bit of oil and sear the beef short ribs on all sides for 3-4 minutes until browned. This step is optional but helps to lock in flavor.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

1. Place the short ribs: Add the beef short ribs to the Crockpot.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the Crockpot.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cook on low: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Serve the beef short ribs: Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the Crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the top.
2. Serve with your favorite sides: These short ribs are perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up the sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 40g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 25%
Potassium: 600mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Rich, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Rice: Serve these tender beef ribs with fluffy rice to catch every drop of that savory gravy.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts would complement the richness of the short ribs beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Searing the Meat: While optional, searing the short ribs adds a lot of flavor. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step.
• Add Veggies: You can add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the Crockpot during the last 2 hours of cooking for a complete meal.
• Leftovers: The leftovers are amazing! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat on the stovetop or in the Crockpot.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?
A1: Yes, boneless short ribs will work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they cook faster than bone-in ribs.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the short ribs in the Crockpot and refrigerate them overnight. Reheat them on low the next day.

Q3: What should I serve with the short ribs?
A3: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can even serve it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: Yes! Let the leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q5: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A5: To thicken the sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.

Q6: Can I use a different type of meat?
A6: You can substitute with beef chuck roast or brisket, though the cooking time may differ slightly. Just make sure to adjust as needed.

Q7: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A7: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Q8: Can I cook these short ribs on high in the Crockpot?
A8: Yes, if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.

Q9: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A9: Yes! Adding a bit of red wine will deepen the flavor. Add about 1/2 cup of wine along with the beef broth.

Q10: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A10: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content. The flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are the epitome of slow-cooked comfort food. The beef is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and the savory sauce is packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part? It requires minimal effort, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible meal that awaits you! Enjoy!

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