Beef Short Ribs Recipe Slow Cooker | Tender & Flavorful

• Beef short ribs come from the lower portion of the cow’s ribcage, beneath the back ribs and close to the brisket, plate, and flank. They’re known for their rich marbling and connective tissue, which break down beautifully during slow cooking. The result? Juicy, fork-tender beef with a robust, hearty flavor.
• Short ribs are also incredibly versatile. They can be braised, grilled, roasted, or cooked in a slow cooker. But when it comes to creating fall-off-the-bone tenderness with minimal effort, the slow cooker is the clear winner.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

1. Hands-Off Cooking – Once you’ve prepped the ribs and placed them in the slow cooker, you can walk away and let the appliance do the work.
2. Enhanced Flavor – Low and slow cooking allows the meat’s natural flavors to deepen as they meld with seasonings and sauces.
3. Tender Meat – The long cooking time breaks down connective tissues, ensuring the beef is succulent and tender.
4. Convenience – Slow cookers are perfect for busy individuals or families who want a satisfying dinner waiting for them at the end of the day.

Choosing the Right Beef Short Ribs

There are two main types of beef short ribs you’ll find at the butcher or grocery store:

1. English-Cut Short Ribs – These are cut parallel to the bone, with a thick piece of meat sitting atop one long bone. They’re meaty, flavorful, and ideal for slow cooking.
2. Flanken-Cut Short Ribs – These are cut across the bone into thin strips, with several small bones in each piece. They cook faster and are often used in Korean BBQ, but they can also work in slow-cooked recipes.

For this slow cooker recipe, English-cut short ribs are recommended because they hold up better during long cooking and yield more substantial portions.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic slow cooker beef short ribs recipe:

• 3 to 4 pounds of English-cut beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for serving: mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs

• Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.
• Generously season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the ribs on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
• Transfer seared ribs to the slow cooker.
• Why sear? Searing locks in juices and caramelizes the surface, adding layers of flavor to the final dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

• In the same skillet, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
• Deglaze the pan with broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Pour this mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasonings

• Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
• Stir gently to combine, ensuring the ribs are nestled into the liquid and vegetables.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ribs

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
• Cook on low heat for 8–9 hours or high heat for 4–5 hours.
• The ribs are done when the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Remove the ribs and set them aside on a serving platter.
• Discard bay leaves and herb stems.
• If desired, strain the liquid and reduce it on the stovetop for a thicker gravy.
• Serve ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice, spooning sauce and vegetables over the top.

While the classic recipe is a winner, you can easily adjust flavors to suit your tastes:

1. Asian-Inspired Short Ribs – A soy sauce and beef broth mixture is added, followed by ginger, and finished with sesame seeds and green onions.
2. BBQ-Style Short Ribs – Swap the broth for your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve with cornbread and coleslaw.
3. Spicy Short Ribs – Add chili flakes or chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy kick.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Short Ribs

1. Don’t Skip the Sear – It might be tempting to throw everything in the slow cooker raw, but searing makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Layer Wisely – Place vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker so they can act as a flavorful bed for the meat.
3. Skim Fat – Short ribs are fatty, so skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid before serving.
4. Make Ahead – These ribs taste even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld together overnight.
5. Choose Sides Thoughtfully – Since short ribs are rich, pair them with light or creamy sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze: Freeze cooled short ribs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Beef short ribs are hearty and pair beautifully with classic sides. Some serving ideas include:

1. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes ideally soak up the rich sauce.
2. Polenta – A smooth, buttery polenta makes an excellent base for the tender beef.
3. Egg Noodles or Rice – Ideal for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts balance the richness of the beef.
5. Crusty Bread – Perfect for sopping up the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

• Slow cooker beef short ribs combine the best of both worlds: convenience and incredible flavor. By searing the meat, building a flavor-packed base, and allowing hours of gentle cooking, you end up with a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant — without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
• The balance of beef broth, herbs, and aromatics creates a sauce that is luxurious and comforting, while the slow cooker ensures the meat reaches that fall-apart tenderness we all crave.

About One Stop Halal

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