Do I need to sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t required, but it can make a noticeable difference. Browning the ribs in a hot skillet for a few minutes before placing them in the crockpot builds extra depth of flavor and gives the sauce a richer color. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, the sauce will still develop plenty of flavor as it cooks.

Can I cook these beef short ribs on high instead of low?

Yes, but low and slow is what makes them truly tender. Cooking on LOW for 7 to 8 hours allows the fat and collagen to break down naturally. If you’re pressed for time, you can set the crockpot to HIGH for 4 to 5 hours , though the texture might be slightly less silky.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thin?

If your sauce seems too thin at the end of cooking, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce on the stove for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in while simmering. For an even glossier finish, brush a little of the thickened sauce on the ribs before broiling.

What can I serve with Crockpot Beef Short Ribs?

Mashed potatoes are the classic choice because they soak up the sauce perfectly, but you can also serve the ribs over rice, polenta, or even creamy grits. For sides, consider roasted carrots, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight. Cook the ribs completely, then refrigerate them in their sauce. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them slowly in the sauce on the stove or in the oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much while cooling.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs – Fall-Off-the-Bone Comfort

Name: Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef short ribs; 1 sliced onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Description

These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs cook low and slow until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a rich, savory glaze. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and tomato paste, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

3 lbs beef short ribs

1 sliced onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot to create a flavorful base.

2. Add the beef short ribs on top, arranging them evenly.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, garlic, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ribs, making sure the meat is mostly covered.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and rich.

6. Optional: For a caramelized glaze, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, brushing with the sauce before broiling.

7. Serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Notes

Searing the ribs before slow cooking adds more flavor and color, but it’s optional.

For a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stove for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

These short ribs reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and a few red pepper flakes for a restaurant-style presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 540
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 52g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Crockpot Beef Short Ribs, slow cooker beef, easy short ribs, fall-off-the-bone beef, comfort food recipe, crockpot dinner