Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Deliciousness

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, this Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe is just what you need! The meat is so tender, it practically falls off the bone. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing all day long.

Cooking these ribs low and slow in the slow cooker makes them incredibly juicy and flavorful. The sauce is rich and savory, perfect for soaking up with some crusty bread. I promise, once you try this, you’ll want to make it every week.

This Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. Let’s get started and create some fall-off-the-bone deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender and Flavorful: After hours of slow cooking, the short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the flavors meld beautifully to create a rich, mouthwatering dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Minimal Effort: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious dinner.
• Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering, slow-cooked short ribs always feel like a special treat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 8-9 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

Servings:

• This recipe serves 6-8 people. You can easily double it if you’re feeding a larger group.

Difficulty:

• This dish is beginner-friendly, but it’s also a hit with experienced cooks who want a flavorful meal without a lot of effort.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker: A 5-6 quart slow cooker will work best for this recipe.
• Large Skillet: To sear the short ribs before slow cooking for extra flavor.
• Tongs: To handle the short ribs when searing and transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and ensuring everything is well combined.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For the spices and liquids.
• Knife & Cutting Board: To chop the onion, garlic, and carrots.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need to create this melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked short ribs dish:

• Bone-in Beef Short Ribs (English Cut): About 3-4 pounds of short ribs, ideally bone-in for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the short ribs and bring out the rich flavors.
• Olive Oil: For searing the short ribs before slow cooking to develop a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Large Onion (Chopped): For the base of the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves (Minced): Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: For a rich, savory undertone in the sauce.
• Beef Broth: The liquid base that helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
• Dry Red Wine: Adds acidity and richness. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute more beef broth.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a slight tanginess and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: For a herbaceous note that complements the richness of the beef.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Rosemary’s earthy flavor enhances the savory profile of the short ribs.
• Bay Leaf: For an added layer of flavor.
• Medium Carrots (Cut into 1-inch Pieces): They soak up the flavors of the cooking liquid and add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ribs.
• Cornstarch (Mixed with Water): For thickening the gravy towards the end of the cooking process.

How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Short Ribs

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and gives the meat a delicious crust. Once seared, remove the ribs from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Then, add the beef broth, red wine, and balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful brown bits (fond) stuck to the pan.

3. Transfer Everything to the Slow Cooker

Once the sauce is combined and has a rich, savory aroma, pour it into your slow cooker. Add the seared short ribs, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce as much as possible. Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Slow Cook the Short Ribs

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The meat should be incredibly tender, and the sauce will have thickened slightly, soaking up all the flavors from the herbs and beef.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside on a serving platter. To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is ready, return the short ribs to the slow cooker to coat them in the thickened sauce. Serve the short ribs with the carrots and a generous ladle of the gravy over the top. These short ribs are perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Slow Cooker Short Ribs

This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the delicious gravy, making for the perfect comfort food combo.
• With Rice: Serve the short ribs over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to absorb the savory sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts would complement the richness of the beef.
• With Crusty Bread: A loaf of rustic bread is perfect for sopping up all the sauce left on your plate.
• With a Green Salad: A fresh, light salad can balance out the richness of the short ribs, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.

How to Decorate the Plate

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the short ribs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color to the dish and a hint of freshness to balance the deep flavors.

Storing Slow Cooker Short Ribs

• Leftovers: Store the leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making them even tastier the next day.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooked short ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip the Searing: The initial sear is key to developing flavor. It adds a rich, deep taste that infuses the ribs as they cook.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your short ribs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Larger cuts might need a bit more time, while smaller ones may cook faster.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes or parsnips to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	28g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	450mg

Slow Cooker Short Ribs FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be made a day ahead. Simply reheat the short ribs and sauce gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, you can use boneless short ribs, but bone-in ribs provide more flavor and tenderness.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the perfect dish for a comforting, delicious meal with minimal effort. The tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce will make everyone at the table feel special. Whether for a casual family dinner or a more festive occasion, these ribs will be a hit every time.