Slow Cooker Short Ribs are a delicious and hearty dish that many people love. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe simple and hands-off. The long cooking time breaks down the tough meat, making it tender and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Slow Cooker Short Ribs. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. Simply season the meat, brown it, and let the slow cooker do the rest. Second, the flavors blend beautifully over time, creating a rich and savory sauce that pairs well with various sides. You can enjoy them with mashed potatoes or a salad for a complete meal. Plus, this recipe is great for meal prep, allowing you to have tasty leftovers to savor throughout the week. Check out this family favorite dinner delight for another easy option!
How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs
To make Slow Cooker Short Ribs, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of beef short ribs
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Directions:
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides.
- In a slow cooker, combine the beef broth, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme.
- Add the browned short ribs to the slow cooker and cover.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes or salad.
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How to Serve Slow Cooker Short Ribs
When serving Slow Cooker Short Ribs, you can plate them with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a fresh salad. The rich sauce is perfect for drizzling over your sides. For a comforting touch, a side of sautéed green beans adds color and balance.
How to Store Slow Cooker Short Ribs
To store any leftover short ribs, let them cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the short ribs for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs
- Always brown the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste, perhaps adding some fresh herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- If you like a thicker sauce, remove the short ribs when they are done cooking, then pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Variation
If you want to give your Slow Cooker Short Ribs a different twist, try adding a few chopped carrots or celery to the slow cooker. These vegetables will add flavor and nutrition to the dish. You can also substitute the beef broth for red wine for a richer taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use chuck roast or brisket as alternatives to short ribs, but the cooking time may vary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the short ribs the day before and store them in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
What sides pair well with slow cooker short ribs?
Some great sides are mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crisp salad. For dessert, try these zesty lemon butter sandwiches for a light treat.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Ingredients
Method
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides.
- In a slow cooker, combine the beef broth, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme.
- Add the browned short ribs to the slow cooker and cover.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes or salad.