Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Tender slow cooker short ribs melt into a symphony of rich, savory flavors that promise pure comfort.

Beef cuts transform through patient simmering, creating mouthwatering magic in your kitchen.

Every bite promises deep, complex taste memories that linger beautifully.

Kitchen magic happens when tough meat becomes incredibly succulent after hours of gentle cooking.

Hearty aromas will drift through your home, awakening hunger and anticipation.

Minimal preparation leads to maximum deliciousness with this foolproof method.

You’ll discover an effortless path to restaurant-quality dining right from your countertop.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can become an extraordinary meal that impresses everyone.

Slow Cooker Short Rib Flavor Options

• Keto-Friendly Short Ribs: Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or xanthan gum. Serve with cauliflower mash instead of traditional potatoes to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Instant Pot Version: Reduce cooking time to 45-55 minutes on high pressure. Use the sauté function for initial meat searing and vegetable preparation, maintaining similar flavor profile and ingredient list.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute short ribs with large portobello mushrooms or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Maintain original seasoning blend for rich, savory flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why should I sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

Searing creates a delicious golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the meat’s taste. This caramelization process helps develop rich, complex flavors that make the dish more delectable.

• Can I use other herbs instead of thyme and rosemary?

Absolutely! While thyme and rosemary provide classic flavor, you can substitute with herbs like oregano, marjoram, or parsley. Choose herbs that complement beef and match your personal taste preference.

• How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?

The meat is done when it’s super tender and easily falls apart with a fork. When cooking on LOW, this typically takes 6-8 hours. The meat should be so soft that it practically melts in your mouth.

• Is it necessary to use cornstarch when seasoning the short ribs?

Cornstarch helps create a nice exterior crust and allows seasonings to stick better to the meat. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly during cooking, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

Why Slow Cooker Short Ribs Are Fall-Apart Tender

• Flavor-Packed Seasoning: Cornstarch and spice blend creates a delicious crust while herbs like thyme and rosemary infuse rich, aromatic flavors into the meat.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings with multiple serving suggestions like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
• One-Pot Convenience: Streamlined cooking process with simple steps – sear, deglaze, and slow cook – reduces kitchen cleanup and makes meal preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

• Short Ribs: Flavorful beef cut perfect for slow cooking.

• Cornstarch: Light powder that helps create a delicious crust.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing meat flavor.

• Onions: Sweet and savory base for rich sauce.
• Garlic: Adds deep, warm flavor to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that helps tenderize meat.
• Balsamic Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy depth to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Provides rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

• Fresh Thyme: Earthy, slightly minty herb.
• Fresh Rosemary: Woody, fragrant herb.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle, aromatic leaf for depth.

• Oil: Helps with searing and prevents sticking.
• Carrots: Soft, sweet vegetable for added nutrition.

• Fresh Herbs: Bright, green topping for added freshness.

Step-by-Step for Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Step 1: Prepare Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs completely dry using paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other preferred spices

Massage the seasoning blend thoroughly into every surface of the short ribs.

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil.

Brown the short ribs on all sides, creating a beautiful caramelized crust.

Work in small batches, adding extra oil as needed.

Transfer seared meat directly into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until wonderfully fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up all those delicious browned bits.

Step 5: Create Rich Sauce

• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Bay leaves

Bring the mixture to a quick boil.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.

Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours until meat becomes meltingly tender.

Step 7: Final Touch

Add chopped carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.

This ensures they’re perfectly cooked but not mushy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs.

Best Tips for Cooking Short Ribs in the Slow Cooker

• Brown the short ribs thoroughly in a hot skillet to develop a rich, caramelized crust that locks in deep, complex flavors before slow cooking.
• Use balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the skillet, adding an extra layer of depth to your sauce.
• Add carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy while ensuring they're perfectly tender and flavorful.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the amazing braising liquid and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving to brighten the rich, slow-cooked flavors and add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Short Ribs

• Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap cooled short ribs tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish, add a little broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Short Ribs

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the short ribs.
• Hearty Side Companion: Serve creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta to soak up the delicious braising liquid and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the dish to brighten the deep, savory flavors and add a fresh green touch to the presentation.
• Rustic Bread Match: Offer a crusty sourdough or artisan bread to help diners mop up the luxurious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker short ribs melt with rich, tender beef that promises comfort on chilly evenings. Bold flavors and hearty textures invite you to savor each succulent bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 ribs)
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) beef broth
• 2 sweet onions, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
• 5 large carrots, cut into 1 inch thick rounds

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 ml) cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 ml) onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoons (7.5 ml) avocado oil, more as needed
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional herbs for garnish: parsley, rosemary, thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the short ribs by thoroughly patting them dry to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and browning.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining cornstarch with selected spices, then meticulously coat each short rib, pressing the mixture into the meat’s surface.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and introduce oil to create a perfect searing environment for the meat.
4. Carefully brown the short ribs in small batches, developing a rich caramelized exterior by cooking each side for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring a golden crust forms.
5. Transfer the expertly seared meat into the slow cooker, preparing for the flavor-building process.
6. In the same skillet, gently soften onions and garlic until their aromatic essence is released, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
7. Deglaze the pan by introducing balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, carefully scraping up the concentrated flavor-packed browned bits from the skillet bottom.
8. Construct a luxurious braising liquid by combining beef broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
9. Pour the entire aromatic liquid over the short ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage of the meat.
10. Slow-cook the ribs on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours until the meat reaches fall-apart tenderness.
11. During the final 1-2 hours of cooking, introduce chopped carrots to infuse additional flavor and provide complementary vegetables.
12. Once completed, garnish with fresh herbs and present alongside your preferred accompaniments such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Always pat the short ribs completely dry to ensure a perfect sear and develop a delicious golden-brown crust that locks in rich flavor.
• Massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly into the meat, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply and create a more intense taste profile.
• Sear the short ribs in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can steam the meat instead of creating a crispy exterior that adds depth to the final dish.
• Consider using alternative liquid options like red wine or beer instead of beef broth for a more complex and sophisticated flavor dimension.
• Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness, but leave a thin layer to keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
• For a lighter version, swap beef short ribs with leaner meat cuts like chicken thighs or turkey, adjusting cooking times accordingly to prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg