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Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs in Crockpot

4.8/5
5 reviews
Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs in Crockpot
Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs in Crockpot
500min Total Time
6 people Servings
Medium Difficulty
Moderate Cost
580 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

6
  • 4 lbs beef short ribs, English-cut
  • 2 large onions, roughly chopped
  • 4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for gravy)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Pat short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper

2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

3

Brown short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side

4

Transfer browned ribs to the crockpot

5

In the same skillet, saut onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes

6

Add garlic and cook for another minute

7

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly

8

Pour in wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan

9

Transfer vegetable mixture to the crockpot

10

Add beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme to the crockpot

11

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5-6 hours until meat is very tender

12

Remove ribs and vegetables to a serving platter

13

Strain cooking liquid and skim off fat if desired

14

For optional gravy: whisk flour with 1/4 cup cooking liquid, then stir back into remaining liquid and simmer until thickened

15

Serve ribs with vegetables and gravy

Troubleshooting

If meat is tough, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes
If sauce is too thin, remove lid for last hour of cooking
If sauce is too fatty, let it cool and remove fat layer
If vegetables are too soft, add them halfway through cooking time
If sauce lacks flavor, season with additional salt and pepper at end

Recipe Variations

Beer-braised: Use dark beer instead of wine Asian-style: Use soy sauce, ginger, and Chinese five-spice BBQ style: Add barbecue sauce in the last hour Mediterranean: Use white wine and add olives and herbs Spicy: Add chipotle peppers and Mexican seasonings

Serving Suggestions

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce Pair with roasted root vegetables for a hearty meal Accompany with crusty bread for sauce-soaking Garnish with fresh parsley and extra fresh herbs Serve alongside a bright, acidic salad to balance the richness

Nutrition Facts

580
Calories
45g
Protein
12g
Carbs
38g
Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the meat before slow cooking Adding too much liquid to the crockpot Opening the lid too frequently during cooking Not trimming excess fat from the ribs Skipping the seasoning step before browning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip browning the meat?

While possible, browning adds significant flavor and is highly recommended for best results.

Can I use boneless short ribs?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 1 hour as boneless cuts cook faster.

What if I don't want to use wine?

Replace with additional beef broth and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 5-6 hours instead of 8 hours on low.

Why are my short ribs tough?

They likely need more cooking time. Continue cooking until fork-tender.

Can I add potatoes to the crockpot?

Yes, add large chunks of potatoes in the last 2-3 hours of cooking.

How do I know when they're done?

The meat should easily pull away from the bone with a fork.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day after flavors meld.

What's the best wine to use?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your crockpot is large enough. Cooking time remains the same.

Reviews

Xavier B.
Mar 7, 2026
Best short ribs I've ever made! The meat literally fell off the bone.
Yuki T.
Mar 11, 2026
Delicious recipe but took longer than expected in my crockpot.
Zara M.
Feb 24, 2026
Perfect comfort food! The sauce was incredible.
Winston P.
Mar 7, 2026
Great flavor but I needed to add more salt at the end.
Victoria R.
Mar 3, 2026
Restaurant quality results from my home kitchen!
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