Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot Recipe (Tender, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food)
If you love melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s full of rich, savory flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this beef short ribs crock pot recipe. Slow cooking beef short ribs transforms them into juicy, fall-off-the-bone perfection — all with minimal effort. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, variations, and expert tips for making the best crock pot beef short ribs ever.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Incredible tenderness: The meat becomes so soft it practically melts with every bite.
- Deep flavor: A rich broth with onions, garlic, and herbs soaks into every inch of the beef.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta for a complete meal.
What Are Beef Short Ribs?
Beef short ribs are a flavorful cut of meat taken from the lower section of the rib cage. They’re known for their meaty texture and rich marbling, which makes them ideal for slow cooking. When cooked properly, they become incredibly tender while keeping all their juicy, beefy flavor.
There are two main types:
- English-style short ribs: One bone with a thick piece of meat on top (best for slow cooking).
- Flanken-style short ribs: Cut across multiple bones (great for Korean BBQ or faster recipes).
For this crock pot recipe, you’ll want English-style short ribs, as they hold up beautifully during long, slow cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering beef short ribs in a crock pot:
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional but adds deep flavor — substitute with more broth if desired)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Additions
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for a slightly sweet undertone)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (for brightness)
- 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry (for thickening the sauce)
How to Make Beef Short Ribs in a Crock Pot
Follow these easy steps for the best slow-cooked short ribs:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat ribs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear each rib for about 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.
Tip: Don’t skip this step — searing locks in flavor and gives the meat a beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same pan, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in red wine (or beef broth if not using wine) and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Transfer the seared ribs to the crock pot. Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the ribs. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Low setting: Cook for 8–9 hours
- High setting: Cook for 4–5 hours
When done, the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs and vegetables, then whisk in a flour or cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) into the liquid. Let it cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Return the ribs to the sauce, spoon it over, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Best Side Dishes for Beef Short Ribs
These crock pot beef short ribs pair perfectly with classic comfort sides like:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter noodles
- Buttered rice or risotto
- Roasted root vegetables
- Polenta or grits
- Crusty bread to soak up all that rich gravy
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot
- Always sear the ribs first for deeper flavor.
- Use bone-in ribs for juicier results.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking — it slows down the process.
- Add herbs at the start for full infusion, but remove bay leaves before serving.
- Let the ribs rest in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
Recipe Variations
1. BBQ-Style Short Ribs
Replace the wine with BBQ sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy, smoky twist.
2. Asian-Inspired Short Ribs
Add soy sauce, ginger, and a bit of brown sugar. Serve with steamed rice and sesame seeds.
3. Beer-Braised Short Ribs
Use dark beer instead of red wine for a malty, earthy flavor.
4. Tomato-Braised Short Ribs
Add crushed tomatoes for a hearty Italian-style sauce — perfect over pasta.
How to Store and Reheat
To Store:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the crock pot on “warm” setting until heated through.
Common Questions About Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot
1. Can I make this recipe without searing?
Yes, but searing adds rich caramelized flavor. If you skip it, increase your seasoning slightly.
2. Can I cook beef short ribs overnight?
Absolutely! Set your crock pot to low and let them cook while you sleep. You’ll wake up to tender, juicy ribs ready for dinner prep.
3. Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, but bone-in ribs deliver better texture and deeper flavor.
4. How do I know when the short ribs are done?
They’re done when the meat easily pulls apart with a fork — typically after 8 hours on low.
5. What’s the best wine for this recipe?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir complements the beef beautifully.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
(Values will vary based on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This beef short ribs crock pot recipe is the definition of effortless comfort food. With its tender beef, aromatic herbs, and luscious sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but requires minimal work. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even lazy Sundays when you just want something hearty and satisfying.
Let your crock pot do the magic, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most flavorful, soul-warming meals ever!
