Rich, tender, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, these Crockpot Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a light side salad. With a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a meal that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to make!
Adapted: Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs by Damn Delicious
(Serves 4-6)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Short Ribs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf before serving. Serve the short ribs with your favorite sides, spooning the rich sauce over the top.
Notes
For the best flavor, don’t skip the searing step! It adds a rich, caramelized layer to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with short ribs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips for a hearty side.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up the rich sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop!
This recipe is versatile and can be made ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better!
