When you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, these Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are exactly what you need. Designed for comfort and ease, this slow-cooked beef dish transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply flavorful dinner that feels like it came from a fine restaurant. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to treat yourself to something special at home, this dish delivers incredible taste with very little effort. All you need is a few minutes of prep time and a slow cooker to let the magic happen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These short ribs come out incredibly tender. After several hours of low and slow cooking, the beef becomes so soft that it pulls apart with a fork.
The flavors are bold and satisfying. Butter, garlic, herbs, and broth simmer together to create a deeply savory sauce that coats every bite of beef and vegetables.
It’s also remarkably easy to prepare. Once everything is added to the Crockpot, there’s nothing else to do but wait. It’s a fuss-free way to serve up a memorable meal.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each item in this recipe contributes to its depth of flavor and irresistible texture.
3 lbs Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
Bone-in ribs are ideal for slow cooking, offering rich flavor and exceptional tenderness.
3 cups Baby Carrots
These add a subtle sweetness and become wonderfully soft as they cook.
2 cups Sliced Mushrooms
Mushrooms absorb the beef juices and add a hearty, earthy element to the dish.
3 cups Beef Broth
Acts as the flavorful base, keeping everything moist and infusing the dish with richness.
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
Contributes body and a savory umami taste that enhances the overall flavor.
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Adds richness and gives the sauce a smooth, velvety finish.
1 Bay Leaf
Infuses the dish with mild herbal notes during the long cooking time.
8 sprigs Fresh Thyme
Brings a fragrant, fresh quality that pairs perfectly with beef.
1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
Adds depth and a savory punch that complements the slow-cooked flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
How to Make Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
This recipe is a great example of how minimal prep can lead to exceptional results. After a quick sear on the short ribs, everything is transferred to a slow cooker where the meat gently simmers with broth, garlic, herbs, and vegetables. The process couldn’t be simpler, but the results taste like something that took hours of hands-on cooking. It’s the perfect make-ahead dinner for busy days or laid-back weekends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Ribs
Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and sear the ribs for about 20 seconds on each side. This adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
2. Prep the Ingredients
While the ribs are browning, slice the mushrooms, measure out the carrots, and mince the garlic. This helps the next steps go smoothly.
3. Fill the Crockpot
Place the browned short ribs into the slow cooker. Top with carrots, mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste, butter, thyme, and the bay leaf.
4. Pour in the Broth
Add the beef broth so that it partially covers the ingredients. There’s no need to fully submerge them.
5. Cook on Low
Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let it cook for 8 hours, until the ribs are so tender they fall apart easily.
6. Remove the Ribs and Veggies
Once the cooking time is up, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the ribs and vegetables to a plate. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker sauce, combine ½ cup cold water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Simmer the cooking liquid in a saucepan, whisk in the cornstarch mixture, and stir until it thickens slightly.
8. Plate and Serve
Arrange the short ribs with your favorite side, such as mashed sweet potatoes or creamy polenta. Drizzle with the sauce and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
Choose ribs with good marbling for the most tender, flavorful results.
Browning the ribs before slow cooking enhances their taste and gives the dish a rich depth of flavor.
Fresh thyme is ideal, but if using dried, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
To reduce excess fat in the sauce, let it settle and skim the top before serving.
Store leftovers properly, as the flavors only improve over time.
Details
Flavor: Savory, rich, herby, and slightly sweet from the carrots
Texture: Soft, tender beef with melt-in-your-mouth consistency
Occasion: Great for cozy nights, holiday dinners, or Sunday meals
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Notes
Optional Add-ins
Pearl onions, parsnips, or chunks of turnip can add even more texture and flavor. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also give the dish a pleasant tang.
Serving Suggestions
These short ribs go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A piece of crusty bread makes the perfect tool to mop up any extra sauce.
Storage Advice
Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 739 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4.8 g |
| Protein | 27.2 g |
| Fat | 65.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 29.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 138 mg |
| Sodium | 353 mg |
| Potassium | 253 mg |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 2.1 g |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 5.6 mg |
These numbers are estimated and may vary depending on your exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook short ribs in a slow cooker for maximum tenderness?
Cooking them on low for 8 hours yields the best texture. The meat becomes soft and easy to shred.
Is it necessary to sear the ribs before placing them in the Crockpot?
Searing isn’t required but is highly recommended. It locks in flavor and gives the beef a better texture.
Can this recipe be cooked on high heat?
While it’s possible to use the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, low heat provides better tenderness and flavor development.
What should I use as the cooking liquid?
Beef broth is the ideal choice. It enhances the meat’s flavor and works well with the other ingredients.
Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs | Effortless Comfort for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow-cooked beef short ribs made in the Crockpot until fall-off-the-bone tender, simmered with baby carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs in a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
3 lbs Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
3 cups Baby Carrots
2 cups Mushrooms, sliced
3 cups Beef Broth
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 Bay Leaf
8 sprigs Fresh Thyme
1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sear each side of the ribs for about 20 seconds until browned.
3. Place the ribs in the Crockpot and add the baby carrots, sliced mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste, butter, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Pour in the beef broth.
5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours until ribs are fall-apart tender.
6. Carefully remove ribs and vegetables. Discard herbs.
7. (Optional) To thicken the sauce, mix ½ cup cold water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Heat the cooking liquid in a saucepan and stir in the mixture. Whisk until thickened.
8. Serve ribs hot with mashed sweet potatoes or polenta. Spoon sauce on top.
Notes
Add pearl onions or parsnips for a heartier version.
Skim fat off the top of the sauce before serving for a cleaner flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 739
- Sugar: 2.1
- Sodium: 353
- Fat: 65.9
- Saturated Fat: 29.5
- Carbohydrates: 4.8
- Fiber: 1.2
- Protein: 27.2
- Cholesterol: 138
Conclusion
These Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are a comforting, no-fuss meal that turns everyday ingredients into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe never disappoints. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a must-have in your collection of go-to slow cooker meals. Try it for your next gathering or quiet night in—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how deeply satisfying each bite will be.