Slow Cooker Short Ribs: Easy Comfort Food Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Tender slow cooker short ribs braised in a rich sauce. This easy comfort food dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 480 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 500 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
3 lbs boneless beef short ribs, trimmed
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Aromatic Ensemble
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 -
2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
05 -
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich Braising Liquid
07 -
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
08 -
1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
09 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
12 -
2 bay leaves
13 -
1 tsp dried thyme
→ Finishing Touches & Seasoning
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
16 -
1/4 cup cold water
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Trim 3 lbs boneless beef short ribs. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer seared ribs to a 6-quart slow cooker.
02 -
In the same skillet, add 1 large yellow onion, 2 large carrots, and 2 stalks celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This forms the flavor base for your Slow Cooker Short Ribs | Easy Comfort Food Dinner.
03 -
Pour 1 cup dry red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce. Add 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a simmer.
04 -
Pour the braising liquid and sautéed aromatics over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Ensure ribs are mostly submerged. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the short ribs are fork-tender, creating a truly easy comfort food dinner.
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked short ribs and bay leaves from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
06 -
Return the short ribs to the thickened sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve your Slow Cooker Short Ribs | Easy Comfort Food Dinner warm, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Excellent with mashed potatoes or polenta.
# Notes:
01 -
For even richer flavor, sear the short ribs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a deep brown crust.
02 -
Leftover short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!
03 -
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an additional 1 cup of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
04 -
These tender short ribs are fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 715 kcal
Total Fat: 55 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 52 g