What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? Tender beef short ribs cooked to perfection in a crockpot with rich homemade sauce and fall-off-the-bone meat. Braised in a mixture of red wine and beef broth, this easy family favorite recipe is a must try for any busy home cook. Save this idea for a delicious homemade meal.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Introduction

Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the help of a crockpot, you can create tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs that are bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both creative and mouth-watering. The slow-cooked short ribs are infused with a rich, tangy sauce that’s made with a combination of beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste, giving it a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is what makes it truly special. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients creates a sauce that’s both rich and refined, and the slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• The ease of preparation is another reason why this recipe works so well. Simply brown the short ribs, add the sauce ingredients to the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the rest. This makes it perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
• The impressive results of this recipe are sure to wow your family and friends. The short ribs are tender and fall-off-the-bone, and the sauce is thick and flavorful. This makes it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, and it’s sure to become a favorite among your guests.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are beef short ribs, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme. The short ribs are the star of the dish, and they’re slow-cooked in a rich, tangy sauce that’s made with the other ingredients. You can substitute the beef broth with stock or wine if you prefer, and you can also use different types of sugar or spices to give the dish your own personal touch. Some other ingredients you can use to add more flavor to the dish include onions, carrots, and celery, which can be sautéed with the garlic and thyme to create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by seasoning the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then brown the short ribs on all sides. This will help to create a rich, caramelized crust on the short ribs that will add flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Step 2: Once the short ribs are browned, add them to the crockpot and set it to low. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme. Pour the sauce over the short ribs and make sure they’re completely covered.
3. Step 3: Cook the short ribs on low for 8-10 hours, or until they’re tender and falling off the bone. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat – if it slides in easily, the short ribs are done.
4. Step 4: Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the crockpot and let them cool for a few minutes. Strain the sauce and discard any excess fat, then serve the short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Handy Tips

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is to not overcrowd the crockpot. This can prevent the short ribs from cooking evenly and can also cause the sauce to become too thick. To avoid this, cook the short ribs in batches if necessary, and make sure to leave enough space between each rib for the sauce to flow freely.
• Another tip is to use a good quality red wine in the sauce. This will help to add depth and complexity to the flavor, and will also help to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can also use different types of wine, such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon, to give the dish a unique flavor profile.
• Finally, be sure to let the short ribs cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the meat to relax and become even more tender, and will also make it easier to slice and serve.

Heat Control

One of the benefits of using a crockpot is that it allows for precise heat control. This is especially important when cooking short ribs, as they can become tough and dry if they’re overcooked. To avoid this, make sure to set the crockpot to low and cook the short ribs for 8-10 hours. You can also check the temperature of the short ribs periodically to make sure they’re cooking at a safe temperature. The ideal internal temperature for cooked short ribs is 160°F, so be sure to check the temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the caramelized crust on the short ribs. This is created by browning the short ribs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot, and it adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish. To achieve this, make sure to brown the short ribs on all sides, and don’t be afraid to get a little aggressive with the browning process. This will help to create a rich, caramelized crust that will add flavor and texture to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One of the best pro kitchen tricks for this recipe is to use a flavorful oil to brown the short ribs. This can add a rich, savory flavor to the dish and help to create a caramelized crust on the short ribs. Some good options include olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil.
• Another trick is to use a mixture of spices to add depth and complexity to the sauce. This can include things like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and can help to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Finally, be sure to let the short ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the meat to relax and become even more tender, and will also make it easier to slice and serve.

Storage Tips

• One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To store the short ribs, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop.
• To freeze the short ribs, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, and can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop.
• When reheating the short ribs, be sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the sauce to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe makes a great gift for friends and family, especially during the holidays. To package the short ribs as a gift, place them in a decorative container or bag and add a few garnishes, such as fresh herbs or edible flowers. You can also include a few sides, such as mashed potatoes or egg noodles, to make the gift even more special. Some other ideas for gift packaging include:

Using a decorative crockpot or slow cooker to package the short ribs

Adding a few gourmet ingredients, such as truffle oil or specialty spices, to the sauce

Including a few recipes or cooking tips to help the recipient make the most of the gift

Flavor Variations

• One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be customized to suit your tastes. Some ideas for flavor variations include:
• Adding a few spices, such as cumin or chili powder, to the sauce for a southwestern flavor
• Using different types of wine, such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon, to add depth and complexity to the sauce
• Adding a few ingredients, such as onions or carrots, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition

Troubleshooting

• One of the most common problems with this recipe is that the short ribs can become tough and dry if they’re overcooked. To avoid this, make sure to cook the short ribs on low for 8-10 hours, and check the temperature periodically to ensure that they’re cooking at a safe temperature.
• Another problem is that the sauce can become too thick and sticky. To avoid this, make sure to add a little bit of water or broth to the sauce as it cooks, and stir it periodically to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Finally, be sure to let the short ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the meat to relax and become even more tender, and will also make it easier to slice and serve.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the short ribs for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and cook the short ribs in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for crockpot beef short ribs is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The slow-cooked short ribs are tender and fall-off-the-bone, and the rich, tangy sauce is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So why not give it a try and see what you think? With its ease of preparation, impressive results, and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.