Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

The deep, rich flavor of these Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs makes them the perfect centerpiece for a comforting meal. Slowly simmered with fresh herbs, garlic, and a savory broth, the meat becomes fall-apart tender and juicy, practically sliding off the bone. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Perfect for Sunday suppers, holiday gatherings, or chilly nights, these short ribs bring warmth and nourishment to your table. The slow cooker does most of the work while you get to enjoy the smells and anticipation of a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a dish full of depth and comfort—just like home.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional – or use beef broth)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Directions:

1. Season beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Deglaze the skillet with red wine or beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.

5. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.

7. Optional: To thicken the sauce, remove ribs and whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Simmer in the slow cooker or transfer to a saucepan and reduce over medium heat.

8. Serve ribs over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles with ladles of the rich gravy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A True Comfort Classic: The Essence of Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

When it comes to slow-cooked comfort food, few dishes can rival the deep, rich flavor and tenderness of beef short ribs simmered to perfection. A slow cooker transforms this humble cut of meat into something luxurious and deeply satisfying, making it a timeless recipe ideal for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep that lasts all week. This dish embodies everything people crave in colder months—warmth, comfort, and flavor that lingers.

Beef short ribs are cut from the chuck or rib areas of the cow, known for their marbled texture and deep beefy taste. Though they’re naturally tough, they’re incredibly flavorful. The secret to unlocking their potential lies in low and slow cooking, which breaks down connective tissue and renders the meat tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Why Choose the Slow Cooker Method?

The slow cooker (or crockpot) is a busy cook’s best friend. Not only does it reduce hands-on time, but it also enhances the flavor of tough cuts like short ribs through long, gentle heat. When these ribs are left to simmer in a bath of rich beef broth, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, they become so tender that you barely need a knife.

Unlike traditional oven braising, the slow cooker keeps the kitchen cool and eliminates the need for constant monitoring. You can set it up in the morning, go about your day, and return home to a meal that smells like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s effortless elegance, and it works every single time.

Flavor Profile: Deep, Rich, and Comforting

This recipe is built on a solid flavor foundation. Browning the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker creates a layer of umami that enhances the final dish. Aromatics like onions and garlic add depth, while a small amount of tomato paste enriches the base and adds subtle sweetness. The optional splash of red wine creates a luxurious sauce, though beef broth alone works just as well for a non-alcoholic version.

The addition of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce balances the savory with a touch of tang and saltiness, rounding out the flavor beautifully. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuse the meat as it cooks, creating an herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen. A few bay leaves bring subtle earthy undertones that tie all the components together.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With Slow Cooked Short Ribs

Short ribs are undeniably rich, so they pair best with sides that complement or contrast their bold flavor. Here are some tried-and-true ideas to round out the meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the ultimate base for catching every drop of that luscious gravy.

• Creamy Polenta: Slightly sweet and smooth, polenta provides a beautiful contrast in texture.

• Buttered Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the meaty sauce.

• Crusty Bread: A rustic sourdough loaf or garlic bread can help scoop up every last bite.

• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness and texture.

• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Lightly blanched greens add freshness and color to balance the plate.

Don’t forget a good glass of red wine or a hearty non-alcoholic beverage like a spiced tea or sparkling cranberry mocktail to finish the experience.

Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips

One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it holds up as leftovers. In fact, some would argue it tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, and the meat remains fork-tender.

• Storage: Store the ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in portions with the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm slowly in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce is too thick.

It’s a great make-ahead option for weekly meal prep or for freezing in batches for cold nights when you want a quick but hearty dinner.

Nutritional Highlights and Dietary Notes

While this dish is rich and indulgent, it can be part of a balanced diet. The meat is packed with high-quality protein, iron, and zinc, essential for energy and immune function. Cooking with bone-in short ribs also infuses the sauce with natural collagen, great for joint health and skin.

Those watching sodium or saturated fat can easily make small adjustments, like trimming visible fat from the ribs or using a reduced-sodium broth and soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire are certified gluten-free.

Elevating the Dish: Tips from the Pros

To take this dish to the next level, here are a few professional tips:

• Use fresh herbs rather than dried—fresh rosemary and thyme will provide more vibrant flavors.

• Deglaze your pan properly after searing the meat. This step adds layers of richness.

• Skim excess fat from the surface of the gravy after cooking. A quick chill in the fridge solidifies the fat for easy removal.

• Use a cornstarch slurry or even arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce into a gravy if desired.

• Finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of coarse salt before serving for a restaurant-style presentation.

Why This Recipe Is a Crowd Favorite

Whether you’re feeding a group of hungry guests or just your family on a Sunday evening, these short ribs always steal the show. They offer both elegance and nostalgia—something that feels gourmet without being complicated. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, giving you the freedom to enjoy your day while dinner practically makes itself.

Its adaptability also makes it a hit across the board. From holiday dinners to romantic nights in or even casual weeknight meals, this recipe fits the bill. You can scale it up or down, use different herbs, swap in wine or keep it non-alcoholic, and serve it in endless delicious ways.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food Worth Mastering

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are more than just a meal—they’re a ritual of comfort, flavor, and home-cooked satisfaction. With minimal effort, you can transform a humble cut of meat into a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine-dining kitchen. Its fall-apart tenderness, rich gravy, and robust herbaceous notes make every bite memorable.

This is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s delicious, but because it represents everything we love about slow cooking: warmth, simplicity, and pure indulgence. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare yourself (and your loved ones) for a dish that delivers on every level. Whether it’s your first time trying short ribs or your hundredth, this version is one to bookmark and treasure.