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