Easy Slow Cooker Short Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich aroma of slow-cooked short ribs simmering away in a flavorful broth. These slow cooker short ribs are the ultimate comfort food—fall-off-the-bone tender, deeply savory, and cooked in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or buttery rice. If you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients

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To create these succulent slow cooker short ribs, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

• 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or substitute with extra broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Season and Sear the Ribs
Start by patting the short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown more evenly. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side, just until browned. Don’t skip this step—it builds incredible flavor!

Layer the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared ribs into the bottom of your slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. This helps develop a sweet, aromatic base. Add the veggies on top of the ribs in the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (or extra broth), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the ribs and vegetables.

Add Herbs and Cook
Tuck in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.

Finish and Serve
Once done, discard the bay leaf and herb stems. Carefully transfer the short ribs to a platter. For a more concentrated sauce, ladle the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer on the stove for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. Spoon the sauce over the ribs and serve.

Serving Suggestions

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Perfect Pairings
These slow cooker short ribs are incredibly rich and flavorful, so they pair beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Try serving them with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery rice or garlic rice
• Creamy polenta
• Roasted root vegetables (like parsnips, carrots, or turnips)
• Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for freshness

Garnishes to Brighten the Dish
For a pop of flavor and color, sprinkle the ribs with freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. A dash of cracked black pepper or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can also balance the richness beautifully.

Make It a Meal
Round out your meal with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette, crusty bread for mopping up sauce, and a glass of something bold (even if it’s just sparkling water with a splash of grape juice!).

Tips and Tricks

Searing Adds Flavor
It’s tempting to skip the searing step when using a slow cooker, but taking the time to brown the ribs first really amplifies the flavor of the dish.

Use Bone-In Ribs for Best Results
Bone-in ribs offer more flavor and moisture than boneless cuts, and the slow cooking process draws all that goodness into the sauce.

Customize the Sauce
You can tailor the sauce to your taste! Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for tang, a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness, or a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Reduce the Sauce
If the sauce is too thin at the end, pour it into a saucepan and reduce it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often and simmer until thickened to your liking.

Check Doneness by Texture
Don’t worry about exact cook times—what matters is tenderness. When the meat falls off the bone and shreds easily with a fork, it’s ready.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration
Let the ribs and sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing
These ribs freeze beautifully. Freeze individual portions with some sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave in short intervals, or in the oven covered at 300°F. Stir the sauce occasionally and add broth if needed to keep it silky.

Why You’ll Love These Short Ribs

• Effortless Elegance: Just prep in the morning and let your slow cooker do the rest.
• Incredible Flavor: Layers of umami, herbs, and aromatics build a deeply satisfying sauce.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is hearty, comforting, and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Great for Entertaining: These ribs feel fancy enough for guests but are simple to make ahead.

You’ll love how easy this is, and your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes! Boneless short ribs work, but they may cook a bit faster. Keep an eye on them after 6 hours on low to prevent overcooking.

Can I skip the wine?
Absolutely. Replace the wine with more beef broth and add a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic for depth and acidity.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, you can sear the ribs and prep everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Store it covered in the fridge, then pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can use canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, though tomato paste gives a more concentrated flavor. Reduce the liquid slightly if substituting.

Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the ribs and veggies, then pressure cook on high for 45–50 minutes with natural release.

This easy slow cooker short ribs recipe is cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers every single time.