Description
These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Slow-cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, soy, Worcestershire, and a touch of brown sugar, these fall-off-the-bone short ribs are hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
4 pounds beef short ribs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to the crockpot.
3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
7. Remove short ribs and set aside. Optional: strain the sauce and skim off excess fat.
8. To thicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes.
9. Serve ribs hot, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
For deeper flavor, searing the ribs and caramelizing the onions is highly recommended before slow cooking.
This dish can be made a day ahead—flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Crockpot Beef Short Ribs, slow cooker short ribs, beef short ribs recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs, comfort food