Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender, fall-apart beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend gatherings. Easy to prepare but delivering gourmet results, these ribs are sure to impress.
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
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel. Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl, then season the ribs evenly.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer them to a slow cooker.
- Prepare the Broth: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the broth mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots to the slow cooker during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 1053 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
Enjoy the deep, savory flavors of these melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked short ribs!
The Comfort and Elegance of Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Few meals can rival the rich flavors and hearty appeal of Slow Cooker Short Ribs. This dish combines tender, fall-apart beef with a deeply savory broth, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, slow cooker short ribs offer the perfect combination of convenience and gourmet sophistication. Below, we’ll explore the elements that make this recipe an exceptional addition to your culinary repertoire, as well as tips for achieving the best results.
The Allure of Slow-Cooked Meals
There’s something inherently comforting about slow-cooked dishes. The gradual cooking process allows flavors to meld together, creating complex and robust profiles that can’t be rushed. In the case of short ribs, the low and slow heat breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, rendering it incredibly tender. By the time it’s ready to serve, the meat practically falls off the bone.
Unlike other forms of cooking that demand constant attention, the slow cooker is a set-it-and-forget-it method. This makes it ideal for home cooks who want to prepare an impressive dish without being tied to the kitchen for hours.
A Symphony of Flavors
At the heart of this recipe is the interplay of ingredients that create its irresistible flavor. The short ribs themselves provide a rich and beefy foundation, which is enhanced by a medley of spices and aromatics. A key feature of this dish is its savory broth, made with a combination of beef stock, balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and fresh herbs. Together, these ingredients produce a sauce that’s not only flavorful but also fragrant.
Herbs and Aromatics
The inclusion of thyme, rosemary, and garlic elevates the dish to a gourmet level. These herbs add depth and freshness, cutting through the richness of the beef. Garlic, a classic pairing with red meats, contributes a slightly sweet and nutty undertone once cooked.
Vegetables for Balance
Adding carrots towards the end of the cooking process brings a hint of sweetness and texture to the dish. Their natural sugars are released as they cook, complementing the savory broth. For additional variety, you could include potatoes, parsnips, or even celery.
The Role of Preparation
The preparation process is key to achieving perfectly cooked short ribs. Searing the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker locks in flavor and creates a caramelized crust that enhances the dish’s overall taste. Similarly, sautéing onions and garlic in the same pan ensures no flavorful browned bits are left behind. These steps may seem minor, but they significantly impact the final result.
Versatility of the Dish
One of the best aspects of slow cooker short ribs is their versatility. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them suitable for different occasions. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce and tender meat.
- Rice: A simple bed of white or brown rice soaks up the savory broth perfectly.
- Crusty Bread: Use the bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adding roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts provides a fresh and crisp contrast.
The dish is also highly adaptable; you can tweak the seasoning, herbs, or vegetables to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Insights
While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it’s also packed with nutrients. Beef short ribs are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for energy and immune function. The carrots provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health. While the calorie count may be on the higher side, serving the dish with lighter sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can create a well-balanced meal.
Tips for Success
To make the most of your slow cooker short ribs, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for bone-in short ribs with good marbling. The bones and fat contribute to the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the ribs before slow cooking enhances their flavor and adds a layer of complexity to the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, fresh thyme and rosemary offer a more vibrant and aromatic result.
- Monitor the Cooking Time: Overcooking can cause the meat to lose its structure, so keep an eye on your slow cooker to achieve the perfect tenderness.
- Deglaze the Pan: This step ensures that the rich flavors from the seared meat and sautéed aromatics are incorporated into the broth.
Why This Dish Is Worth the Effort
Slow cooker short ribs are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. The tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen as the ribs cook is a preview of the deliciousness to come. Despite their gourmet appeal, these ribs are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the epitome of comfort food with a touch of sophistication. They bring together tender, flavorful meat, a rich and aromatic broth, and versatile pairing options for a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or simply treating yourself, these ribs promise a memorable dining experience. The combination of ease, elegance, and flavor makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to expand their repertoire of slow-cooked meals.
So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to savor the ultimate in culinary comfort. Your taste buds—and your dinner guests—will thank you!
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Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Description
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender, fall-apart beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend gatherings. Easy to prepare but delivering gourmet results, these ribs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 ribs)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 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 1/2 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel. Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl, then season the ribs evenly.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer them to a slow cooker.
- Prepare the Broth: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the broth mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots to the slow cooker during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.