When you think of comfort food, nothing quite beats the aroma of crockpot short ribs wafting through your home. Picture this: tender, juicy meat that practically falls off the bone, bathed in a rich, savory sauce that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. easy crockpot taco meat hearty pot roast recipe It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket after a long day — utterly satisfying and oh-so-delicious. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe recipe.
Now, imagine the sheer joy of coming home to a kitchen that smells like a five-star restaurant after letting your trusty crockpot work its magic all day. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these short ribs will turn any occasion into an unforgettable feast. hearty white bean soup crockpot chicken and rice soup Trust me; your kitchen will become the new neighborhood hot spot!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These crockpot short ribs are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free cooking
- The flavor profile is rich and robust, guaranteed to impress everyone at your table
- Their visual appeal with luscious sauce and tender meat makes them irresistible on any dinner plate
- Perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings, these ribs are as versatile as they are delicious!
Sharing this recipe at my last family gathering left everyone speechless. Their delighted faces were priceless as they savored each succulent bite! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled cuts; this ensures maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
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Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.
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Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves bring aromatic depth; feel free to adjust based on your garlic affinity!
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Red Wine: Choose a good quality wine for richer flavor; it’s not just for sipping!
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Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons add richness and body to the sauce.
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Brown Sugar: This balances out the acidity of tomatoes and wine beautifully.
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Dried Herbs: Thyme and rosemary work wonders together; fresh is great too if you have it!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning at different stages; don’t skimp on these basics!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Short Ribs: Start by patting the short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that glorious caramelization when searing.
Sear Those Ribs!: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and sear each side of the short ribs until they are golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the ribs and toss diced onions into the same skillet. Sauté until translucent and fragrant—around 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add Garlic and Paste: Stir minced garlic and tomato paste into your onion mixture until everything is fragrant, around 1-2 minutes, creating a robust base.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place short ribs back into the crockpot along with sautéed mixture. Pour beef broth, red wine, brown sugar, dried herbs, salt, and pepper over everything.
Crock It Up!: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Let the magic happen as your home fills with mouthwatering aromas!
These steps guide you through creating magical crockpot short ribs that will make even Gordon Ramsay proud (well, maybe).
As you savor these delightful bites of heaven paired with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up that luscious sauce, you’ll realize that life’s simple pleasures often come from a good meal shared with loved ones! Enjoy every moment because these crockpot short ribs are bound to steal the show at any gathering!
You Must Know
- The secret to tender crockpot short ribs lies in low and slow cooking; patience is key
- The aroma will fill your kitchen like a warm hug, and the meat will melt in your mouth
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the short ribs for maximum flavor, then layer them with veggies and broth in the crockpot. Cooking low and slow for 8-10 hours ensures they become incredibly tender.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Adding red wine or a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the richness of the sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain tenderness without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your short ribs are as flavorful as possible, season generously with salt and pepper before cooking
- Always let them rest after cooking for juiciness
- Don’t rush; good food takes time, and this dish rewards patience!
Sometimes I think back to that dinner party where my friends raved about these short ribs; it felt fantastic to impress them with such an easy recipe.

FAQ
Can I use frozen short ribs for this recipe?
Yes, but thawing them first will yield better results and even cooking.
How can I thicken the sauce after cooking?
You can blend a cornstarch slurry into the liquid after cooking for added thickness.
What sides pair well with crockpot short ribs?
Mashed potatoes or crusty bread complement these deliciously tender short ribs perfectly.
Crockpot Short Ribs
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot short ribs are the ultimate comfort food, offering tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe lets you savor the delicious flavors of well-seasoned ribs without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat short ribs dry with paper towels for proper caramelization.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side of the ribs until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove ribs and sauté diced onions in the same skillet until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Transfer short ribs back to the crockpot along with the onion mixture.
- Pour in beef broth, red wine, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 oz (140g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg






