These Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are packed with flavor and melt in your mouth! Cooked slowly in a rich sauce, they become so soft that you won’t need a knife!
Honestly, using the crockpot is a lifesaver! Just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. When meal time hits, your house smells amazing and dinner is ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: This is the star of the dish. Look for meaty short ribs with a good amount of marbling for best flavor. If short ribs are hard to find, beef chuck roast can be a good substitute, but it may not be as tender.
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for searing, but you could also use canola or olive oil. Olive oil has a lower smoke point, so it’s best to keep the heat on the lower side if using it.
Onion: For a sweeter flavor, yellow onions work magic in this dish. If you need a substitute, feel free to use shallots or even leeks to mimic the sweetness.
Beef Broth: Use homemade broth if you have it for deeper flavor! If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth will work too, though it will change the flavor more than you might like. Try using mushroom broth for that rich taste.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Short Ribs?
Brown your short ribs to lock in flavors! Here’s how to do it without a hassle:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Once hot, place the ribs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. This helps them sear better.
- Brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You want a nice caramel color.
- Remove and allow resting briefly before transferring them to the crockpot. This step is key for flavor, but if short on time, you can skip it!
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Turn Out Tender?
The secret to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. Stick to these tips:
- Make sure your crockpot is on low; that’s your best bet for tender meat.
- Cooking for 7-8 hours is ideal! If you’re in a hurry, high setting for 4-5 hours is your next best option, but watch carefully.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and steam, which is crucial for tenderness.
Using these tips and techniques, you’ll have succulent short ribs that everyone will rave about! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep work, plus some time for browning the meat. The cooking time in the crockpot is either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. So, you could be enjoying a delicious meal in about 8-9 hours, depending on your cooking method!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Ribs:
Start by generously seasoning the beef short ribs with salt and pepper all over. This will enhance the flavor during cooking!
2. Browning the Ribs:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs to the skillet, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
3. Starting the Crockpot:
After browning, transfer the short ribs to the crockpot. It should be ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
4. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet you used for the ribs, add the sliced onions. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that delightful aroma!
5. Mixing the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and dissolve the tomato paste and sugar. It will create a rich and flavorful sauce!
6. Seasoning the Sauce:
Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper to the sauce mixture. Give it a good stir so that all the flavors meld together.
7. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the delicious sauce over the short ribs in the crockpot, making sure they are well coated.
8. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The goal is to have the ribs cook until they are fall-apart tender!
9. Finishing Touches:
When cooking time is done, carefully remove the short ribs from the crockpot. If there’s excess fat floating on the surface of the cooking liquid, you can skim some off if you prefer. This will help keep the sauce lighter.
10. Serving:
Serve the short ribs hot, spooning some of that flavorful cooking sauce over the top. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Enjoy your super tender crockpot beef short ribs with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite steamed vegetables!
FAQ for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Can I Use Frozen Short Ribs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and optimal tenderness. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. Just note that these alternatives may slightly change the taste, but they will still yield a delicious result!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring they stay moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply plug it in the next morning. Just make sure to cook on low for 7-8 hours as usual!
