Busy weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against time, but what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal without the fuss? Looking for something to satisfy your family’s hunger without spending hours in the kitchen?

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are the answer. This flavorful dish boasts tender beef that falls off the bone, infused with savory herbs and a rich sauce that will make your mouth water. The combination of sweet onions, robust garlic, and spices creates a delightful aroma that fills your home, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights in.

What makes this dish extra special is just how easy it is to throw together. You can set it in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a plateful of satisfaction waiting for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in Just a Few Hours: A set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days.
Perfect Family Comfort Food: The whole family will love the tender, flavorful beef.
Easy Clean-Up: Minimal dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Freezer-Friendly: Make extra and save some for later!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

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 leaves (chopped)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (chopped)
2 bay leaves
5 large carrots (cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
Optional herbs for garnish (parsley, rosemary, thyme)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This step helps them get a nice sear later.
Season the Meat: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the short ribs.
Sear the Ribs: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced sweet onions and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Layer the seared short ribs on top.
Add the Sauces and Broth: Pour in balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), beef broth, and stir in tomato paste.
Add the Seasonings: Nestle thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and carrots around the ribs.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs and vegetables, then whisk in cornstarch mixed with a bit of water and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
Serve and Garnish: Place your short ribs on a platter, pour the sauce over them, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

Sear the Ribs: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds wonderful flavor.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste.
Make Ahead: You can prep everything the night before, keeping it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Substitutions & Variations of Slow Cooker Short Ribs

To Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your tomato paste and broth are gluten-free.
For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine for depth.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap short ribs for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based option.

Storage Instructions for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool completely before freezing.
Make-Ahead: You can chop all vegetables and season the ribs a day ahead to save time on cooking day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, boneless short ribs work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook a bit faster.

How do I know when short ribs are done?
The meat should be very tender and easily pull away from the bone when it’s finished cooking.

Can I cook this on high heat?
Absolutely! Cooking on high for 4-5 hours will still yield delicious results.

Final Toughts

Slow Cooker Short Ribs is the kind of recipe that brings comfort to your table without a lot of hassle. It’s perfect for busy families looking for a filling meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you! After you’ve made it, come back and share your thoughts or give it a star rating!

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Print Recipe

Tender beef short ribs cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Total Time: 375 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale

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)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (chopped)
2 bay leaves
5 large carrots (cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
Optional herbs for garnish (parsley, rosemary, thyme)

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Instructions

Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.
Season the Meat: Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the short ribs.
Sear the Ribs: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Layer the Ingredients: Place sliced sweet onions and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Layer the seared short ribs on top.
Add the Sauces and Broth: Pour in balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), beef broth, and stir in tomato paste.
Add the Seasonings: Nestle thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and carrots around the ribs.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Remove ribs and vegetables, whisk in cornstarch mixed with water, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve and Garnish: Place short ribs on a platter, pour sauce over them, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Sear the ribs for extra flavor and adjust seasonings to taste.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free