Short Ribs

Short Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth with aromatic vegetables and red wine. This set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker version delivers deep, braised flavor with minimal hands-on effort — perfect for a cozy family dinner.

4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 480 min · Total 500 min

American · Dinner · Main Course

  • 3 lb bone-in beef short ribs English-cut, about 2–3 inches thick
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 1 cup dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
  • Merlot
  • 1 cup beef broth low-sodium
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 piece fresh thyme sprigs or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 piece bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Paper Towel
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Tongs
  • Ladle
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board

Instructions

  1. Pat the short ribs dry with #[Paper Towel] and season generously on all sides with @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper]. Heat @[Olive Oil] in a large #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat]. Sear the @[Beef Short Ribs] in batches for ~[2–3 minutes] per side until deeply browned on all sides. Transfer to the #[Slow Cooker].
  2. In the same #[Skillet], reduce heat to ^[medium] and add the diced @[Yellow Onion] and @[Celery]. Sauté for ~[3–4 minutes] until softened. Add the @[Garlic] and @[Tomato Paste], stirring for ~[1 minute] until fragrant. Pour in the @[Red Wine] and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for ~[2 minutes], then pour the mixture over the @[Beef Short Ribs] in the #[Slow Cooker].
  3. Add the @[Carrots], @[Beef Broth], @[Worcestershire Sauce], @[Thyme] sprigs, and @[Bay Leaf] to the #[Slow Cooker]. The liquid should come about halfway up the ribs — add a splash more @[Beef Broth] if needed. Cover and cook on LOW for ~[7–8 hours], or on HIGH for ~[4–5 hours], until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  4. Carefully remove the @[Beef Short Ribs] and discard the @[Bay Leaf] and @[Thyme] sprigs. If desired, skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid. Taste the liquid and season with additional @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper]. Spoon the braising juices and vegetables over the ribs, garnish with @[Fresh Parsley], and serve over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or egg noodles.