Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

Introduction

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and dripping with savory goodness. Cooking low and slow allows these rich, meaty ribs to absorb the deep flavors of aromatic vegetables, garlic, and herbs, creating a dish that’s decadent yet simple. It’s a perfect choice for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want a meal that feels special without requiring constant attention in the kitchen.

I first made these short ribs on a day when I wanted something hearty and fuss-free. The slow cooker became my best friend, gently tenderizing the meat while infusing it with a delightful combination of onions, carrots, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves. A splash of broth complex richness that elevated the dish to something extraordinary.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can enjoy the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, paired with crusty bread, or with a simple green salad on the side. Whether you serve it as a main course or repurpose leftovers into sandwiches, tacos, or a rich pasta sauce, these Slow-Cooker Short Ribs offer comfort, richness, and unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Holiday feasts
Casual gatherings
Special occasions
Meat and comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Slow-Cooker Short Ribs will become your new favorite comfort meal:

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Slow cooking ensures the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Savory and Rich Sauce: The sauce combines beef broth, and aromatic veggies for a perfect balance of flavors.
Effortless Preparation: Set it and forget it—let the slow cooker do the hard work for you.
Hearty and Satisfying: A truly filling meal that provides both nutrition and comfort.
Customizable Seasoning: Adjust the spices and herbs to match your taste preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, these short ribs shine.
Minimal Cleanup: The slow cooker minimizes the number of dishes you need to wash.
Rich umami Flavor: Slow-cooking enhances the natural flavors of the meat and broth.
Add Vegetables for Balance: Carrots, onions, and garlic complement the meat beautifully.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Cook it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 8 hours
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 hours
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Short Ribs and Vegetables:

2.5 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped

For the Sauce:

1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

Beef Short Ribs: Provide rich, flavorful meat that’s tender after slow cooking.
Beef Broth: Create a robust, savory sauce with a touch of sophistication.
Aromatic Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique umami kick to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Short Ribs:

Sear Ribs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Sauté Vegetables:

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker with the carrots and celery.

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the short ribs and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook the Ribs:

Set and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Cook the short ribs for about 7-8 hours until the meat is tender.

Garnish and Serve:

Add Parsley: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve Hot: Serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Slow-Cooker Short Ribs:

With Mashed Potatoes: Serve short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combination.
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Over Rice: A simple way to enjoy every bit of the flavorful sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with greens or broccoli for a balanced meal.
On a Platter for Gatherings: Serve a family-style platter with bread and sides for communal dining.
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the short ribs.
As a Hearty Sandwich: Use leftovers to make a short rib sandwich with cheese and horseradish.
With Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the savory flavors beautifully.
With Roasted Vegetables: A rustic combination of roasted veggies and short ribs.
For Holiday Dinners: Impress guests by serving these short ribs alongside festive sides.

Additional Tips

Searing for Flavor: Before slow cooking, sear the short ribs in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side to enhance the flavor with a delicious caramelized crust.
Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place the short ribs at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by vegetables and aromatics (like garlic and onions). This ensures even cooking.
Use a Good Liquid Base: Combine beef broth, and a touch of soy sauce for a rich, balanced cooking liquid. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
Don’t Overload the Cooker: Avoid filling the slow cooker more than ¾ full. This allows room for proper heat circulation and even cooking.
Trim Excess Fat: Remove some of the excess fat from the short ribs before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Add Sweetness: A bit of brown sugar or honey can balance the savory and acidic flavors in your sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, remove the short ribs and simmer the sauce on high for about 10 minutes, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water).
Let It Rest: Allow the cooked short ribs to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and ensures tenderness.
Garnish Smartly: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish before serving to bring a pop of color and freshness.
Save Leftovers Creatively: Use leftover short ribs and sauce in tacos, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes. The flavors only get better with time!

Recipe Variations

Spicy Short Ribs: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce and beef broth.
Asian-Style Ribs: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Use fresh herbs like thyme and oregano for an aromatic touch.
Vegan Adaptation: Use jackfruit and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Extra Savory Touch: Add mushrooms to the slow cooker for a deeper umami flavor.
Garlic Herb Blend: Use a mix of garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a robust seasoning.
Sautéd Mushrooms Finish: Sauté mushrooms separately and add them at the end for texture.
Smoked Short Ribs: Incorporate smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a smoky flair.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker: The essential tool for tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
Large Skillet: For searing the short ribs and sautéing vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
Tongs: For transferring short ribs in and out of the slow cooker.
Ladle: For serving up the sauce and ribs with ease.
Mixing Bowl: For combining sauce ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen short ribs?
Yes, just sear them frozen and add a little extra cooking time.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the short ribs?
Yes, freeze them with the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is it necessary to sear the short ribs first?
While optional, searing adds a more intense, savory flavor.
Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?
Yes, add peeled potatoes along with the vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, you can use the pressure cooker function to cook the ribs in about 1-2 hours.
Should I remove the bones before serving?
No, serving with bones adds a rustic charm and better flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a slurry of cornstarch and water added near the end of cooking.
What sides work best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, and roasted vegetables are classic choices.

Conclusion

These Slow-Cooker Short Ribs are a delightful combination of tender, juicy meat and rich, savory flavors that practically fall off the bone. Simmered low and slow in a mouth-watering broth with aromatic seasonings, every bite is a perfect blend of deep, hearty goodness. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving a comforting meal, these short ribs offer an unforgettable experience with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Add garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a splash of beef broth for an elevated depth of flavor. Toss in root vegetables—carrots, potatoes, and onions—for a rustic, all-in-one meal. The slow-cooking method ensures that the meat is incredibly tender and infused with all the rich, delicious flavors of the broth.

I’d love to see your slow-cooker short ribs creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’m excited to see your flavorful masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any personal twists or secret ingredients you added to make your short ribs uniquely yours!