If you’ve ever wondered how to cook short ribs in a crock pot, you’re in the right place! Slow cooking short ribs is one of the best ways to turn this tough cut of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone delight. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
What Are Short Ribs?
Short ribs come from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of beef. They are meatier and larger than pork spare ribs and have a rich, beefy flavor. There are different types, including boneless, Flanken, and English-style short ribs. For crock pot recipes, English-style bone-in short ribs are often preferred because the bones add extra flavor and richness to the dish.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Short Ribs?
The crock pot (or slow cooker) is ideal for cooking short ribs because it uses low and slow heat to break down the tough connective tissues and fat in the meat. This results in tender, juicy ribs that practically fall apart. Plus, it’s hands-off cooking – just prep, set it, and forget it until dinner time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Short Ribs in a Crock Pot
1. Prep and Season the Short Ribs
Start by patting the short ribs dry with paper towels. This step helps you get a nice sear later. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Some cooks like to add coarsely ground pepper for a bit of texture in the crust.
2. Sear the Short Ribs
While this step is optional, searing your short ribs in a hot skillet or Dutch oven before slow cooking adds incredible depth of flavor. Brown the ribs on all sides in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This caramelization creates rich, savory browned bits that make your sauce taste amazing.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the fat left in the pan after searing, sauté aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Then add tomato paste and cook it until it darkens slightly – this adds a lovely umami flavor. Stir in garlic at the end for a fragrant boost.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in a splash of red wine or beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce slightly to concentrate the flavor before transferring everything to the crock pot.
5. Assemble in the Crock Pot
Place the seared short ribs in the crock pot. Add the sautéed vegetables, reduced wine or broth mixture, additional beef broth, diced tomatoes (optional), and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf. Nestle the ribs into the liquid so they’re partially submerged.
6. Slow Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking time is key to rendering the fat and breaking down the meat fibers. The ribs should be so tender they fall off the bone with just a fork.
7. Finish the Sauce
Once the ribs are done, remove them and the vegetables from the crock pot. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, skim off excess fat, and bring it to a boil. To thicken the sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and simmer until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crock pot short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Short Ribs
– Use bone-in ribs: The bones add flavor and richness to the sauce.
– Don’t skip searing: It’s worth the extra step for deeper flavor.
– Cook low and slow: Resist the temptation to cook on high; the low setting yields the best tenderness.
– Adjust cooking time: If ribs aren’t tender after 8 hours, keep cooking until they are.
– Make ahead: Short ribs taste even better the next day, and the fat is easier to remove from the sauce after refrigeration.
Variations to Try
– Short Rib Bourguignon: Add mushrooms and pearl onions for a French twist.
– Beer-Braised Ribs: Use beer instead of wine for a different flavor profile.
– Simple 5-Ingredient Version: Season ribs and cook with broth, garlic, and onion powder for an easy, minimalist meal.
Cooking short ribs in a crock pot is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this method delivers delicious results every time.