Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for those who love rich, hearty meals with minimal effort. The beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a savory broth made with aromatics, herbs, and a splash of wine or broth, resulting in meat that falls off the bone with ease. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become incredibly tender, making for a satisfying and comforting dish.
I first made these Crockpot Beef Short Ribs when I was looking for a no-fuss, hearty meal, and they quickly became a favorite. The beef turned out so tender, it practically melted in my mouth, and the broth was rich and full of flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how hands-off it is. You can throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it while it does all the hard work for you.
What’s great about Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs is how versatile it is. You can add vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes right into the slow cooker, making it a complete one-pot meal. The dish also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor!
Perfect for:
- Cozy family meals
- Sunday dinners
- Holiday feasts
- Impressing guests
- Meat lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs will become a staple in your home:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow cooking ensures ultra-tender beef that effortlessly falls off the bone.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: The ribs are infused with a savory, umami-packed sauce.
- Easy Hands-Off Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work while you go about your day.
- Perfect for Entertaining: A dish that tastes like it took all day—but with minimal effort.
- One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple dishes—everything comes together in the crockpot.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for an even deeper flavor the next day.
- Minimal Cleanup: A simple slow-cooker meal means fewer dishes to wash.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get gourmet-level results with an easy home-cooked approach.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 35g
Ingredients
For the Short Ribs:
- 3-4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef Short Ribs: Provides deep, meaty flavor and becomes incredibly tender.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Enhances the sauce with a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: Boost umami and create a well-rounded taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Short Ribs:
- Season the Ribs: Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to crockpot.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the Onion & Garlic: In the same skillet, cook sliced onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
Slow Cook the Ribs:
- Pour Sauce Over Ribs: Transfer sauce and onion mixture into the crockpot.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until ribs are fork-tender.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Discard bay leaves before serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.
- With Buttered Noodles: Serve over egg noodles for a comforting meal.
- Alongside Roasted Vegetables: A healthy, balanced meal with carrots and Brussels sprouts.
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Over Polenta: A creamy base that complements the tender beef.
- With Rice: A simple and satisfying pairing.
- As a Taco Filling: Shred the meat and serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh contrast to the rich beef.
- Over Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Additional Tips
- Sear for Extra Flavor – Brown the short ribs in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their rich, deep flavor.
- Use Bone-In Ribs – Bone-in short ribs add more flavor and help keep the meat incredibly tender as it cooks.
- Low and Slow Wins – Cooking on low for 8+ hours gives the best melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid using the high setting if possible.
- Don’t Skimp on Aromatics – Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery add depth to the braising liquid, making the dish more flavorful.
- Layer the Ingredients – Place the short ribs on top of the veggies so they absorb all the juices and flavors as they cook.
- Use a Rich Cooking Liquid – Beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar will enhance the sauce’s richness and complexity.
- Skim the Fat – After cooking, let the sauce sit for a few minutes, then skim off excess fat for a cleaner, more refined taste.
- Shred or Serve Whole – The ribs will be fall-apart tender. Serve them whole for a rustic look or shred them for tacos, sandwiches, or pasta.
- Let It Rest – Let the ribs sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the meat to reabsorb some of the juices.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Short Ribs: Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
- Asian-Inspired Ribs: Replace Worcestershire sauce with hoisin sauce and add ginger.
- BBQ Short Ribs: Stir in ¼ cup barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Honey Garlic Ribs: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Special Equipment
- Crockpot: The key to slow-cooking perfection.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing the ribs.
- Tongs: For easy handling of the ribs.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: To create a smooth sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless short ribs will work just as well. - Do I need to sear the short ribs before slow cooking?
Searing isn’t mandatory, but it adds a deep, rich flavor. - How long should I cook beef short ribs in the crockpot?
Low and slow is best! Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender. - Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery make great additions. Add them at the start for ultra-soft veggies or halfway through for a firmer texture. - How do I thicken the sauce?
After cooking, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce to thicken. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Short ribs taste even better the next day. Store them in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the crockpot. - What should I serve with crockpot beef short ribs?
Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered egg noodles pair perfectly, soaking up all the rich, savory sauce. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Let the short ribs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The beef short ribs are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, then simmered low and slow in the crockpot with aromatic vegetables, broth, and herbs. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens to create a rich, savory glaze that complements the ribs perfectly.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, and it’s so easy to prepare—just set it and forget it! The beef short ribs practically fall off the bone, and the sauce can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this dish will be sure to impress.
I can’t wait to see how your Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your mouthwatering creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!