Slow cooker beef short ribs luscious is a dish that perfectly embodies comfort and indulgence. Imagine tender, juicy beef ribs slowly simmered in a rich sauce, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.
From the first bite, you’ll be captivated by the deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these short ribs. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this slow cooker beef short ribs recipe will impress everyone at the table. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker beef short ribs luscious recipe is bound to become a favorite for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can set up your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a fully cooked, delicious meal without any stress.
Second, the flavor profile is unmatched. The combination of spices, herbs, and a rich sauce creates a depth of flavor that elevates simple short ribs into an extraordinary dining experience. Each bite will leave you wanting more! Lastly, this dish is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining; it holds well and tastes even better the next day.
Key Ingredients
To create these luscious slow cooker beef short ribs, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish; they are flavorful and become tender when slow-cooked.
- Onions: They add sweetness and depth to the sauce as they cook down.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse a robust flavor throughout the dish.
- Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the savory flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness that complements the beef wonderfully.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balances flavors with its tangy sweetness.
- Dried Herbs: A mix of thyme and rosemary contributes aromatic notes.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a perfect consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat dry the beef short ribs with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Ribs: In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear each side of the short ribs until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step enhances flavor through caramelization.
- Add Aromatics: In your slow cooker, layer sliced onions at the bottom followed by minced garlic on top of them.
- Add Ribs and Sauce Ingredients: Place seared short ribs on top of onions. In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and rosemary; pour over ribs.
- Cook Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until meat is fork-tender.
- Create Gravy: Once cooked, remove ribs from the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into juices in the slow cooker to thicken before serving.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your slow cooker beef short ribs to another level, here are some expert tips. Select quality meat: Opt for well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor. Add depth with red wine: Consider adding a splash of red wine along with broth for extra richness in flavor. Searing is key: Don’t skip browning your meat prior to cooking; it adds an essential layer of taste. Lastly,
Presentation Ideas
Proudly serve your slow cooker beef short ribs luscious over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta for an elegant touch. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add color contrast against the rich hues of the sauce. For a rustic presentation, serve directly from the slow cooker on your dining table alongside crusty bread for dipping into that amazing gravy!
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
You can substitute other cuts like chuck roast or brisket if preferred; however, remember that cooking times may vary depending on thickness and fat content. Adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness while cooking.
How can I store leftovers?
The leftover short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare everything ahead of time—just follow all steps up until cooking—and store in your refrigerator overnight before starting your slow cooker in the morning.
I don’t have a slow cooker; how can I adapt this recipe?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe using an oven instead! Simply sear the meat as instructed then place everything into an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven covered tightly with foil or lid at 325°F (163°C) for about 3-4 hours until tender.
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these luscious slow cooker beef short ribs. Tender, juicy beef ribs are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, making this dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With minimal preparation and restaurant-quality results, you’ll love serving these mouthwatering ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat dry the beef short ribs and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a hot skillet, sear each side of the ribs until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Layer sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker and sprinkle minced garlic on top.
- Place seared short ribs on top of the onions.
- In a bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and rosemary; pour over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until meat is fork-tender.
- Remove ribs from the slow cooker and mix cornstarch slurry into the juices to thicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg