Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth comfort food, then you’re absolutely going to want to try this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a hearty aroma and leaves you with ribs so tender they practically fall right off the bone. Honestly, I’ve made this recipe countless times for family dinners and every single time, it’s been a total hit. Stay with me—I’ll share all the tips and tricks so you get perfect ribs every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe come together beautifully to balance rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. When I shop, I look for ribs with beautiful marbled fat—that’s the secret to juicy, flavorful meat that’s worth every bite.

• Beef short ribs: Fresh, well-marbled ribs work best to keep the meat tender and moist after slow cooking.
• Butter: Used to get a nice sear on the ribs—it adds a deep richness that I love.
• Pepper: Freshly ground if you can—it adds a little punch without overpowering the meat.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and tenderizing the meat before cooking.
• Flour: This helps create a light coating that browns deliciously and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Molasses: Adds a rich, subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce that’s hard to beat.
• White wine vinegar: Offers brightness and balances out the richness.
• Onion powder: A quick way to boost savory flavor without chopping fresh onions.
• Tomato sauce (1400 ml can): The base of the sauce, tying everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet profile.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste. Whether you want to swap up the sweetness level, accommodate dietary preferences, or add more layers of flavor, there’s room to make it your own.

• Add spice: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to give the ribs a subtle kick my family really enjoys.
• Swap out molasses: If you don’t have molasses, dark brown sugar or maple syrup work well as alternatives to maintain that hint of sweetness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging instead of all-purpose flour—and it turns out just as tender.
• Flavor boost: Throw in a couple of smashed garlic cloves or a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the sauce mixture if you like a deeper umami flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Brown your ribs for maximum flavor

This is the step that really locks in flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. While that’s warming up, whisk together the flour with the salt and pepper in a small bowl. Dredge each short rib until well coated. Then, brown the ribs in the butter for a few minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Don’t rush this step—those caramelized bits are magic!

Step 2: Layer ribs in the slow cooker and mix the sauce

Place the browned ribs directly into the slow cooker, arranging them so they fit snugly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, and onion powder. Pour this rich sauce over the ribs, making sure everything is coated well. My little trick? I use a piece of tinfoil between the slow cooker lid and the pot to trap moisture better—that’s how I get an amazing fall-off-the-bone texture every time.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours. I love using the slow cooker because it means you don’t have to stand over the stove or constantly babysit the pot. The long cooking time gently melts all the collagen and fat inside the ribs, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. By the end, you’ll see the meat just falling off the bones effortlessly.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with garnishes—a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the ribs beautifully. Sometimes, I zest a little lemon on top to brighten things up, especially if I’m serving the ribs on a lighter side like rice or polenta.

Side Dishes

My go-to is serving these ribs on a bed of fluffy white rice because it soaks up that luscious sauce perfectly. But mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered egg noodles are fantastic options too. For veggie lovers, roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad balance the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the ribs over a smear of creamy horseradish mashed potatoes or even served them beside roasted garlic smashed potatoes with steamed green beans topped with toasted almonds. Drizzle the sauce artfully over the plate for a restaurant-worthy look that gets all the compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ribs store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When I save some, I always pour extra sauce on top before sealing—it keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Just remember to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the ribs in their sauce. I portion them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The slow cooker beef short ribs recipe holds its texture well, even after freezing—making it an ideal meal prep option.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the ribs gently on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. You can also reheat them in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. Low and slow is the key again here for tender, juicy results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe turns out—it’s hands down one of those dishes that makes any dinner feel special with minimal effort. When I first tried this method, the ribs were so tender and flavorful that my family went crazy over it, asking me to make it again soon. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, I know you’ll find this recipe a winner. So grab those ribs, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

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