Description
Sink your fork into these Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs—juicy, tender, and dripping in bold flavor. With minimal prep and deep, savory sauce, it’s the perfect easy dinner idea to warm up chilly nights or impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re after a quick dinner win, hearty comfort food, or indulgent dinner ideas, this easy recipe delivers with mouthwatering results every time. Great for Sunday dinners, meal prep, or freezing ahead!
Ingredients
3 lbs beef short ribs
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 fresh sprigs
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for slurry if using cornstarch)
Instructions
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
2. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Place ribs into slow cooker. Pour the onion mixture over them. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until meat is fork-tender.
5. (Optional) Remove ribs. Skim fat. Mix cornstarch with water, add to sauce, and simmer until thickened.
6. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or polenta. Spoon sauce on top and garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
Browning the ribs first boosts flavor—don’t skip this step!
Use fresh herbs for more aroma, but dried works well in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, beef ribs, comfort food, crockpot recipe, slow cooker meal