why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are a great choice for anyone who loves rich, hearty meals. This recipe turns tough cuts of beef into a tender, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, letting the meat cook slowly all day while you go about your activities. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, brown the ribs on all sides over medium-high heat, then transfer to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the beef broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Pour the mixture over the ribs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Serve the ribs garnished with fresh parsley.

how to serve Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Serve the beef short ribs hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Leftover beef short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the ribs along with the sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
- For extra flavor, sear the ribs in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid in the last hour of cooking to allow it to reduce.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs and spices for a unique taste.
variation
You can experiment with different liquids for added flavor. For example, instead of red wine, try using beer or apple cider. Additionally, you can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the crockpot to make it a one-pot meal.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, you can skip the wine and use additional beef broth instead. The dish will still be tasty!
How do I know when the beef short ribs are done?
The ribs are done when they are tender and easily pull away from the bone. They should be soft enough to shred with a fork.
Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead?
Yes, you can cook the ribs on high for about 4-5 hours, but the low and slow method yields the best results for tenderness.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional) Can be replaced with additional beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, brown the ribs on all sides over medium-high heat, then transfer to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Pour the mixture over the ribs in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
Serving
- Serve the ribs garnished with fresh parsley.
