Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker short ribs braised to perfection with aromatic vegetables and a rich, savory sauce. This easy recipe yields melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3–4 pounds beef short ribs
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 3” pieces
- 4 celery stalks, chopped into 3” pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare and Season: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the short ribs dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Ribs: Place the seasoned short ribs in the hot skillet and brown them on each side. Searing locks in juices and adds a rich caramelized flavor to the meat.
- Layer Vegetables: Arrange the chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that also helps elevate the ribs for even cooking.
- Add the Ribs: Place the seared short ribs on top of the vegetable layer inside the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the ribs and vegetables.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. The ribs should be tender and falling off the bone when done.
- Serve: Carefully remove the ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker and spoon some of the cooking sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors.
Notes
- Searing the ribs before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped if in a hurry.
- For a thicker sauce, remove ribs and vegetables after cooking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until reduced.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and flavors deepen after a day.
- Can be served over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Ensure the vegetables are cut into large enough pieces so they don’t disintegrate during long cooking times.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker short ribs, beef ribs, slow cooked beef, easy slow cooker recipes, braised short ribs, comfort food, slow cooker dinner
