Description
Rich, tender, and bursting with flavor, these slow cooker short ribs are a comfort food classic. With minimal prep and maximum taste, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs bone-in short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Sear the ribs: Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Prepare vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Layer the sautéed vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared ribs on top.
- Make the braising liquid: In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Pour over the ribs and vegetables. Ensure the liquid covers at least half of the ribs.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): Remove ribs and skim excess fat from the liquid. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Arrange ribs on a plate, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Searing is Essential: Don’t skip searing the ribs before slow cooking. This step caramelizes the surface, locking in juices and adding a rich depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Layer Vegetables Properly: Place the sautéed vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker and the ribs on top. This ensures the veggies infuse the meat with flavor while cooking and helps prevent burning.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the braising liquid before serving. If it’s too salty, balance it with a splash of water or broth. For extra richness, thicken the sauce with cornstarch for a silky finish.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours