Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs (Printable)
Slow-cooked beef short ribs braised in red wine and aromatics until tender, finished with a rich, savory sauce.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 3.3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
06 - 1 cup beef broth
07 - 1 cup dry red wine
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
→ Spices & Herbs
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
13 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
14 - 2 bay leaves
→ Optional for thickening
15 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
# How to Prepare:
01 - Generously season the short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
03 - Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften, then transfer to the slow cooker.
04 - Pour beef broth and dry red wine into the slow cooker. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
05 - Arrange fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves over the mixture in the slow cooker.
06 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours until ribs are exceptionally tender and meat easily separates from the bone.
07 - Discard bay leaves and herb sprigs. Skim excess fat from the surface, if necessary.
08 - For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
09 - Portion the short ribs hot with sauce and vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce transforms into a deep, glossy gravy that feels like something you'd get at a fancy restaurant—no chef skills required.
- Minimal prep and all-day hands-off cooking reward you with fall-off-the-bone comfort food by dinnertime.
02 -
- Don't skip the searing step—once I tried without it, and the flavor was disappointingly flat.
- Letting the sauce settle for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors bloom and any fat rise up to skim off.
03 -
- Marinate the ribs in red wine overnight for even more developed flavor—that’s my secret weapon.
- Finishing with a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up, especially if serving with starchy sides.