Slow Cooker Short Ribs

November 7, 2020

Fall is officially here. With it comes cooler weather, earlier sunsets, and cravings for comfort foods. Here on the ranch, one of our family’s favorite fall dishes is Slowcooker Short Ribs. They are guaranteed to warm up your body and your soul. 

Just writing this has my mouth watering. These short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and oh so flavorful. Thanks to a sauce (which would make ANYTHING taste good), this dish will quickly become a family favorite in your home too.

The best part? By using a slow cooker, you take all the complicated steps out of the preparation. After a quick sear, you just throw everything into the crock and set a timer. Now you’re free to run errands, play with the kids, or enjoy some well-deserved you-time. It’s that easy. 

Short Rib Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker, a large skillet, a small saucepan, and a wooden spoon or spatula. Then gather the ingredients:

• 3 pounds of Premium Quality bone-in beef short ribs. 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 5 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 2 stalks of celery sliced into 2-inch pieces
• 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 cup beef broth 
• 2 cups dry red wine or brown ale
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour mixed into an equal amount of water.

Steps for Delicious Short Ribs

After gathering all the ingredients, sprinkle the short ribs with the salt, pepper, and chili powder. Make sure to get an even coating. 

Using the skillet, warm the oil over medium-high heat. In batches, brown meat on all sides. You are looking for a nice, deep sear. Then move the short ribs into the slow cooker.

Turn the heat down to medium and add the onions and garlic. Sautee for 5 minutes, or until the onions begin to turn a golden color. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the wine or ale, the beef broth, and the ketchup to the pan. As the liquid comes to a simmer, scrape the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to release the flavors left by the meat. After two minutes, pour this mixture over the short ribs. 

Lastly, add the carrots, celery, and thyme to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible smells coming from the kitchen. 

When the meat is starting to fall off the bone, remove the short ribs and vegetables. Keep warm. Transfer the cooking juices to the small saucepan. Throw out the thyme and skim the fat. Bring juices to a simmer and slowly stir in the flour mixture. Allow this to come to a slow boil for a minute or two or until thick.

Then you dish it up on a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes or whatever you feel like! You really can’t go wrong.

Use the Best Short Ribs

These Slow Cooker Short Ribs don’t just have to come out on special occasions. They are so easy to make and perfect for any day. But the key to success is to not settle for any old meat. Your loved ones deserve Premium Quality Beef. 

At Texas Beef Company, we offer sustainably raised bulk beef and Premium Quality custom beef boxes.  Each one is chock-full of all your favorite cuts. We also have tons of fun Texas Beef Company merchandise. It’s time you started eating Better Beef.