Slow cooker beef short ribs are the kind of meal that brings instant comfort. This recipe takes a tough cut of meat and turns it into something luxurious and satisfying, with minimal effort. After a quick prep and sear, the ribs simmer all day in a deeply seasoned broth filled with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. The result is tender, flavorful beef paired perfectly with sweet carrots and hearty sides like mashed potatoes. Whether you’re preparing a cozy Sunday dinner or an easy make-ahead meal, this dish delivers every time with its warmth, richness, and home-cooked feel.
You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex techniques to make something memorable. With this approach, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, building flavor slowly over hours, so you end up with a meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen—without the stress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers rich flavor, an ultra-tender texture, and a comforting experience from start to finish. The spice rub brings warmth and a slight sweetness, while the broth infuses every bite with bold, savory goodness. Carrots cook alongside the meat, soaking up flavor and becoming sweet and tender. The slow cooker method makes the recipe incredibly easy, perfect for busy schedules or low-effort weekends. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep or batch cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Short Ribs (3.5 to 4 lbs, bone-in or boneless): Choose ribs with visible marbling for juiciness. Bone-in cuts add extra depth of flavor and help keep the meat moist during long cooking.
Kosher Salt: Essential for proper seasoning. Salt helps tenderize the meat and enhances all other flavors in the dish.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar: These create a flavorful dry rub. The sugar helps balance the savory notes and improves browning during searing.
Black Pepper and Optional Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and sharpness. Chili powder is a nice touch if you want a gentle kick.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the ribs, which adds complexity and helps develop a rich base for the broth.
Yellow Onion (Sliced): As it cooks down, the onion adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
Whole Garlic Cloves: These mellow out over the long cooking process and give the broth a soft, buttery garlic essence.
Beef Bouillon Cube: Concentrated beef flavor in a convenient form. This deepens the overall umami of the dish.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, savory bite that enhances the meat’s natural flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Brings brightness and a bit of acidity, balancing the richness of the dish.
Beef Broth (3 cups): The main braising liquid. Go for a good-quality broth to ensure a robust base for the sauce.
Fresh Thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme): Adds a herbal, earthy layer that complements the beef and carrots.
Carrots (2 lbs, cut into chunks): Naturally sweet, carrots absorb the braising liquid and add a hearty vegetable element to the meal.
Cornstarch + Cold Water: Used to thicken the broth slightly, creating a light gravy without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
This meal begins by layering in flavor at every step. First, the ribs are seasoned and seared until browned, giving the meat a golden crust and the pan lots of savory bits. Onions and garlic are sautéed in the same skillet to soak up all that flavor. Everything is then transferred to the slow cooker, where it simmers for hours in a seasoned broth filled with thyme and carrots. Near the end, the liquid is thickened slightly to create a rich sauce that ties everything together. The result is an incredibly tender and satisfying main course that feels special but is easy to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season and Rub the Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry using paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt, then coat with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and chili powder if using. - Sear the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear each side of the ribs until browned, about one minute per side. Transfer to your slow cooker. - Cook the Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium. Add sliced onion and garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. - Deglaze and Add Flavor
Stir in the bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook briefly to dissolve the bouillon, then pour this mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. - Combine in Slow Cooker
Add beef broth, thyme sprigs, and chopped carrots. Stir gently to combine without displacing the ribs. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 7 to 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily. - Skim and Remove Vegetables
Once done, remove the carrots and set them aside, covered. Skim excess fat from the surface of the broth using a spoon. - Thicken the Sauce
Switch the slow cooker to high. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir into the liquid. Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. - Serve
Place the short ribs and carrots on a serving plate or bowl. Pour the broth over the top or serve it alongside. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a full meal.
Helpful Tips
Always sear the ribs before slow cooking to build flavor. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re short on time—it adds noticeable richness. Bone-in ribs work best for taste and tenderness. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle. If making ahead, cool completely and store with sauce in the same container for best results when reheating. You can double the broth and seasonings if you want extra sauce.
Details
Flavor: Deep, savory, balanced with sweet and tangy elements
Texture: Juicy, fall-apart meat with soft vegetables and a rich, silky sauce
Occasion: Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or cozy nights at home
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours on low
Notes
This version of beef short ribs doesn’t use wine, making it suitable for households avoiding alcohol. Instead, it relies on beef broth, mustard, and Worcestershire to build bold, complex flavor. You can use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available. Leftovers keep well and are even better the next day. For variety, you could add mushrooms, celery, or pearl onions to the mix.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 613 kcal |
| Protein | 53 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1954 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should beef short ribs cook in a slow cooker to become tender?
Plan for 7 to 8 hours on the low setting. This gives the connective tissues time to break down and turn the meat soft and juicy.
Is it better to cook beef short ribs on low or high in a slow cooker?
Cooking on low yields more consistent tenderness and flavor. High heat may dry out the meat or make it tough.
Should beef short ribs be seared before slow cooking?
Yes, searing helps develop a richer flavor and improves the overall taste of the final dish.
What liquid is best for slow cooker beef short ribs?
A mix of beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a flavorful and well-balanced cooking liquid.
Storage Instructions
Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs in portions with sauce included, and keep for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm slowly on the stove or in the oven at 300°F.
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Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs | The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are fall-apart tender and packed with deep, savory flavor. Braised in a rich herb-infused broth with sweet carrots, this wine-free version is the ultimate comfort food for cozy dinners or Sunday meals.
Ingredients
3.5 to 4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in or boneless
Kosher salt, to taste (approx. 1 tsp per pound)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, sliced
5 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 cups beef broth
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 lbs carrots, cut into halves or thirds
3 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
1. Pat ribs dry. Season with kosher salt. Combine spice rub and apply evenly.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear ribs in batches, 1 minute per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Add onion and garlic to skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in bouillon cube, Worcestershire, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 1 minute, then pour into slow cooker.
5. Add beef broth, thyme, and carrots. Stir gently and cover.
6. Cook on low for 7–8 hours until ribs are fork-tender and carrots are soft.
7. Remove carrots and skim off any surface fat.
8. Turn slow cooker to high. Mix cornstarch and water in a jar, shake, and stir into broth.
9. Cook for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
10. Serve ribs and carrots over mashed potatoes. Spoon sauce over the top.
Notes
No wine needed. This version uses beef broth and Dijon for depth of flavor.
Bone-in ribs add the most richness and tenderness.
Dried thyme can replace fresh. Use 1 tsp dried thyme.
This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers properly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 613
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 1954
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 53
- Cholesterol: 156
Conclusion
If you’re after a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, these slow cooker beef short ribs will not disappoint. They’re rich, hearty, and filled with deep, comforting flavor, all achieved with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish is a reliable favorite. The wine-free approach keeps it simple and family-friendly, while the slow cooker ensures everything turns out tender and satisfying. Give it a try and discover just how easy it is to bring big flavor to your table.