What is comfort food? I’m talking that melt-in-your-mouth, deeply savory kind of comfort that just warms you from the inside out. What is the best recipe for aSlow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.What are some recipes that make your house smell amazing? Is it easier than making a pot roast? Imagine the aroma of a rich, wine-infused gravy mingling with the tender, succulent beef. What is it like to give your kitchen a hug? I make this every Sunday and it reminds me of my grandma’s house. Hers took a lot longer to cook than mine. What is the best cheat code to cook all day on the stove?
What is slow cooker beef short ribs?
What are some examples?Slow cooker beef short ribs.Think of them as the rockstars of the beef world – they have amazing marbling, which means tons of beef. What is essentially a cut of beef taken from the rib area, and when cooked low and slow in .5 gallons of water, they’re basically the same as pork chops. They’ve got fewer cuts of meat, so they can If you have a crockpot, they transform into something truly spectacular. We’re talking fall-off-the-bone tenderness, drenched in a sauce that’s both rich and deeply deep. Is it a hands-off braise? What is it like to babysit a pot on the stove? Is it the kind of dish that impresses everyone yet takes almost no effort on your part?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?What are beef short ribs?Is it possible to become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth? The sauce is a symphony of savory, rich, and slightly sweet notes, thanks to the wine and other flavors. What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is. Is it a dump-and-go kind of recipe? What is the best way to spend a lazy weeknight without spending hours on the computer? In the kitchen. Is it incredibly cost effective?Beef short ribs. Beeare often more affordable than other premium cuts, and this recipe stretches them into a hearty, satisfying meal. What is a greatSlow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.Recipes are also incredibly versatile. Can you serve them over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, egg noodles, or even risotto? I’ve even shredded the beef and used it for tacos! Is it a crowd pleaser? Is it a dish that just feels special, even though it’s surprisingly simple? Is it a family favorite that I think will become one for you too?
How do I make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs?
Quick Overview
Making these Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.Is it so simple, it feels like cheating? What is the best way to cook ribs in a slow cooker? What are some of the most delicious ingredients? Set it, forget it and come back to a culinary masterpiece hours later. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming tough foods.What are beef short ribs?What is it like to be a tender, flavor This method is special because it maximizes flavor with minimal effort, allowing the beef to slowly cook. What are some of the best ways to braise in the delicious sauce, resulting in unparalleled tenderness and richness.
Ingredients
For the Beef Short Ribs: For a vegetarian:
– 3-4 lbs What are beef short ribs?, bone-in (look for ones with good marbling – it’ll make a difference!)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 cup dry red wine (I usually use Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, but anything you like to drink will work).
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sear the Beef Short Ribs
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.What are beef short ribs?With salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. What is the importance of searing?
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Where is the flavor hiding in the wine? How do you deglaze a pan?
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared meat to aWhat are beef short ribs?How do you cook the vegetable mixture in a slow cooker? How do you add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and bay leaves?
Step 5: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef short ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily fall off the bone. Trust me, the low and slow method is the key to ultimate tenderness.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Remove the beef short ribs from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Serve the shredded beef short ribs over your favorite sides and spoon the delicious sauce over the top.
5. What to Serve It With
These slow cooker beef short ribs are incredibly versatile, and the possibilities are endless. You can serve them:
Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is my personal favorite! The rich, savory sauce soaks into the fluffy potatoes, creating a heavenly combination. I always add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for extra flavor.
With Polenta: Creamy polenta is another fantastic option. The texture complements the tender beef perfectly, and the polenta soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. I often use parmesan or asiago cheese in the polenta
Over Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic pairing for braised meats. Their soft texture and subtle flavor make them the perfect canvas for the rich beef short ribs and sauce. Top with fresh parsley for brightness.
In Tacos: Shred the beef short ribs and load them into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, like shredded cabbage, salsa, and guacamole. This is a fun and unexpected way to enjoy this dish.
Honestly, I’ve even served it over creamy risotto – talk about decadent! For a family tradition, my mom always served it with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the beef. It’s really all about what you’re craving that day!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Okay, so here are some of my tried-and-true tips for making these slow cooker beef short ribs absolutely perfect:
Don’t Skip the Searing: I know it might be tempting to skip this step to save time, but trust me, it’s worth it. Searing the beef short ribs creates a beautiful crust and adds a ton of flavor to the dish. If you skip the searing you’ll definitely lose some flavor.
Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking. The wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. I usually go with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, but a Chianti or Pinot Noir would also work well. Don’t use cooking wine – that’s a big no-no!
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If your slow cooker is too crowded, the beef short ribs won’t cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also remove some of the sauce and reduce it in a saucepan on the stove.
Bay Leaf Removal: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving! They’ve done their job and added flavor, but you don’t want anyone accidentally eating them.
Honestly, I’ve found that adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during the last hour of cooking really kicks the flavor up a notch. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a star anise to the slow cooker for a subtle licorice note. These are tips and tricks that I have learned over the years of making this recipe.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
These slow cooker beef short ribs are even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the beef short ribs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. The glaze timing advice, glaze when ready to reheat.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the beef short ribs. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the beef short ribs in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, you can reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. On the stovetop, simmer over low heat until heated through. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, add some extra beef broth or water to prevent them from drying out.
Remember, always make sure the beef short ribs are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs. This recipe is truly worth trying because it delivers incredible flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming tough beef short ribs into a culinary masterpiece. If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes – I have a feeling you’ll love them too! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it! I’d love to see your own variations, too – so share your photos and tips!
