Description
Tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs braised in a rich wine and broth sauce with aromatic herbs and vegetables. This easy comfort food recipe is perfect for chilly nights, cozy gatherings, or meal prepping with elegance and flavor.
Ingredients
3 lbs beef short ribs
1 large onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced (optional)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (or substitute with more broth)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. In a cast iron skillet, heat oil and sear ribs on all sides until browned.
2. Slice onion and carrots, and mince garlic. Add these to the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Place the seared short ribs on top of the vegetables.
4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour over the ribs.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
6. Optional: Remove the ribs and vegetables. Simmer the remaining liquid in a saucepan and whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken into a gravy.
7. Serve ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or noodles, spooning sauce over the top.
Notes
For the richest flavor, don’t skip searing the ribs before slow cooking.
Use fresh herbs over dried for a more aromatic finish.
Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (with sauce)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 670
- Fat: 44
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 24
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 160