If you're looking to impress at your next dinner or just want to treat yourself, slow cooker short ribs are where it's at. These recipes are packed with flavor and require minimal effort—just toss the ingredients in and let the magic happen! Whether you crave the classic richness of red wine or a zesty BBQ twist, there's something for everyone. Ready to find out which recipe might just become your new favorite?
Classic Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Classic Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker allows the rich flavors of the beef, red wine, and aromatic vegetables to meld beautifully, creating tender and flavorful short ribs that practically fall off the bone.
This dish is excellent for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, and the aroma that fills your home while it cooks is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once browned, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker over the short ribs, then add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender.
Extra Tips:
For improved flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in the red wine for several hours or overnight before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb more of the wine's richness.
Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences; mushrooms or parsnips make excellent additions. When serving, be sure to skim any excess fat from the sauce, and don't hesitate to pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tangy BBQ Glazed Short Ribs
Tangy BBQ Glazed Short Ribs are the perfect blend of tender meat and zesty flavors, making for a delightful meal that's ideal for entertaining or a cozy family dinner. Cooking these short ribs in a slow cooker allows the meat to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious BBQ sauce, resulting in a dish that's both hearty and satisfying.
This recipe is easy to follow and will have your guests raving about the unique tanginess of the glaze.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper and then sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker. In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well.
Pour this tangy mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they're well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb more of the tangy flavors.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the ribs once they're cooked and simmer the remaining sauce on the stovetop until it thickens before serving.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, enhancing both presentation and flavor. Enjoy your delicious, tangy BBQ glazed short ribs!
Asian-Inspired Soy Sauce and Ginger Short Ribs
Asian-Inspired Soy Sauce and Ginger Short Ribs are a delightful way to boost the classic slow-cooked short ribs with a burst of savory and aromatic flavors.
The combination of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a rich glaze that beautifully coats the tender meat, ensuring each bite is packed with umami goodness.
This dish isn't only simple to prepare but also fills your home with an enticing aroma as it slowly cooks, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sliced ginger to create the marinade.
Place the short ribs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well-coated.
Add the beef broth to the slow cooker, cover, and set it on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the short ribs after cooking, mix cornstarch with a little water, and stir it into the sauce on the stove over medium heat until thickened.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, try to brown the short ribs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
This step boosts the meat's flavor and gives it a beautiful color.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey to suit your taste.
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a spoonful of chili paste or some sliced red chilies to the marinade.
Serve the short ribs over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian touch.
Smoky Chipotle and Honey Short Ribs
Smoky Chipotle and Honey Short Ribs are a delightful fusion of spicy and sweet that transforms tender beef into a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in rich short ribs that practically fall off the bone. This dish isn't only simple to prepare but also creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the browned ribs to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, honey, soy sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring well to combine.
Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they're well coated. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in the sauce overnight before cooking. This will improve the smoky and sweet notes even further.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs once cooked and let the sauce simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce.
Finally, serving the short ribs with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes will perfectly complement the rich flavors. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness!
Herb-Infused Garlic and Thyme Short Ribs
Slow Cooker Herb-Infused Garlic and Thyme Short Ribs are the perfect dish for a cozy night in. The slow cooking process allows the rich flavors of garlic and fresh thyme to meld beautifully with the tender beef short ribs, creating a hearty meal that's both comforting and impressive.
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette, making it ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for a minute.
Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well before pouring the mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
Finally, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in a mixture of garlic, thyme, and red wine overnight before cooking.
Skim off any excess fat from the top of the sauce before serving to improve the dish's richness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the ribs once they're cooked, then transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it until reduced.
Serve the short ribs with a drizzle of the thickened sauce and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an elegant touch.