Fall-Off-The-Bone Beef Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef short ribs are a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The slow cooker is an ideal way to cook short ribs, as it allows the meat to become tender and fall-off-the-bone with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious beef short ribs in a slow cooker.

Understanding Beef Short Ribs

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about beef short ribs. Short ribs are a cut of beef that comes from the rib section of the cow. They’re typically cut into individual portions, with a thick layer of meat on top of the bone. There are two types of short ribs: English-style and flanken-style. English-style short ribs are cut into thicker, more rectangular pieces, while flanken-style short ribs are cut into thinner, more uniform pieces.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When it comes to choosing the right cut of meat for slow cooker short ribs, look for English-style short ribs. These ribs have a thicker layer of meat, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. You can find English-style short ribs at most butcher shops or supermarkets.

Preparing the Short Ribs

Before cooking the short ribs, you’ll need to prepare them. Here’s what you need to do:

Seasoning the Short Ribs

To add flavor to the short ribs, you’ll need to season them. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the short ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.

Browning the Short Ribs

Browning the short ribs is an important step, as it adds flavor and texture to the dish. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until they’re browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs from the skillet and set them aside.

Cooking the Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker

Now it’s time to cook the short ribs in a slow cooker. Here’s what you need to do:

Preparing the Slow Cooker

Add 1 onion, sliced, to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 3 cloves of garlic, minced, on top of the onion. Add 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Adding the Short Ribs to the Slow Cooker

Add the browned short ribs to the slow cooker, making sure they’re covered with the braising liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Finishing the Dish

After 8-10 hours, the short ribs should be tender and fall-off-the-bone. Here’s how to finish the dish:

Reducing the Braising Liquid

Remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and set them aside. Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard the solids and skim off any excess fat. Bring the braising liquid to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the liquid by half, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and syrupy.

Serving the Short Ribs

Serve the short ribs with the reduced braising liquid spooned over the top. You can serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best slow cooker short ribs:

Using a Different Type of Wine

You can use a different type of wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, instead of red wine. Just make sure to use a full-bodied wine that will hold up to the long cooking time.

Adding Aromatics

You can add aromatics, such as carrots and celery, to the slow cooker with the onion and garlic. This will add extra flavor to the dish.

Using a Different Type of Broth

You can use a different type of broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, instead of beef broth. Just make sure to use a low-sodium broth, as the dish will be salty enough from the short ribs.

Conclusion

Slow cooker short ribs are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. By following these steps and tips, you can make tender and flavorful short ribs that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the fall-off-the-bone goodness of slow cooker short ribs.

Note: You can adjust the quantity of the ingredients based on your personal preferences and the number of people you’re serving.

What are the benefits of using a slow cooker for beef short ribs?

Using a slow cooker for beef short ribs offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for tender and fall-off-the-bone meat, which can be challenging to achieve with other cooking methods. The slow cooker’s low heat and long cooking time break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

Additionally, slow cookers are convenient and hands-off, making them perfect for busy days. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. This method also helps to reduce the risk of overcooking, as the low heat prevents the meat from drying out.

What type of beef short ribs is best for slow cooking?

For slow cooking, it’s best to use English-style beef short ribs, which are cut into individual portions and have a lot of meat on the bone. This type of cut is ideal for slow cooking, as it allows the meat to fall off the bone easily. You can also use flanken-style short ribs, which are cut into thin strips and have a lot of surface area for the sauce to penetrate.

Avoid using boneless short ribs, as they can become dry and tough during the slow cooking process. If you can’t find English-style short ribs, you can also use beef short riblets or beef back ribs, which are similar in texture and flavor.

How long does it take to cook beef short ribs in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for beef short ribs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the ribs and the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it takes 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. If you prefer your ribs to be slightly firmer, you can cook them for 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.

It’s essential to check the ribs periodically during the cooking time to ensure they are tender and not overcooking. You can do this by inserting a fork or knife into the meat; if it slides in easily, the ribs are done.

Can I cook beef short ribs in a slow cooker on high heat?

Yes, you can cook beef short ribs in a slow cooker on high heat, but it’s not recommended. Cooking on high heat can result in a less tender and less flavorful final product. The high heat can cause the meat to cook too quickly, leading to a tough and dry texture.

If you’re short on time, it’s better to cook the ribs on low heat for a shorter period, such as 6-8 hours, rather than cooking them on high heat for a shorter time. This will help to ensure that the ribs are tender and fall-off-the-bone.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the slow cooker?

To prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the slow cooker, make sure to stir the sauce periodically during the cooking time. You can also add a little bit of liquid, such as beef broth or water, to the sauce to thin it out and prevent it from burning.

Another tip is to use a slow cooker liner or a piece of aluminum foil to line the slow cooker. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the sauce from sticking to the slow cooker.

Can I make beef short ribs in a slow cooker ahead of time?

Yes, you can make beef short ribs in a slow cooker ahead of time. In fact, the ribs are often better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. To make ahead, cook the ribs as instructed, then let them cool completely. Refrigerate or freeze the ribs until you’re ready to serve.

To reheat, simply place the ribs in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the ribs are heated through. You can also reheat the ribs in the oven or on the stovetop, but the slow cooker is the best method to maintain the tender and juicy texture.

How do I serve beef short ribs from a slow cooker?

Beef short ribs from a slow cooker are best served with the sauce spooned over the top. You can serve the ribs with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or egg noodles. The ribs are also delicious served with a side of crusty bread or over rice.

To make the dish more visually appealing, you can garnish the ribs with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, or sprinkle with chopped green onions. You can also serve the ribs with a side of additional sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, for added flavor.