Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Meal
There’s nothing quite like the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of beef short ribs, and this Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe delivers just that with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection with baby carrots and mushrooms in a rich broth, these beef short ribs are perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and the magic of the crockpot, you’ll have a meal that’s as impressive as it is comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the robust flavors of beef short ribs with aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and a hint of sweetness from baby carrots. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a perfect hands-off meal that’s ready to serve with minimal last-minute work. Serve it over mashed sweet potatoes or your favorite side dish, and let the savory juices from the crockpot elevate every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 3 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Short Ribs
Begin by generously seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides. The seasoning will enhance the flavor of the beef as it cooks.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on each side for about 20 seconds, just until browned. This quick sear locks in flavor and gives the meat a rich color.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned short ribs into a large crockpot. Add the baby carrots, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, unsalted butter, bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs, and minced garlic to the crockpot. These ingredients will create a delicious broth that infuses the meat and vegetables with deep, savory flavors as they cook.
Step 3: Slow Cook for 8 Hours
Cover the crockpot and cook the short ribs on the low setting for 8 hours. The slow cooking process will break down the tough connective tissues in the beef, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. After 8 hours, your short ribs should be falling off the bone and ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the short ribs and vegetables from the crockpot. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, but reserve the rich, flavorful liquid left in the crockpot.
For serving, place the tender short ribs on a plate alongside the cooked vegetables. Drizzle the reserved cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables for an extra layer of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed sweet potatoes, which soak up the savory juices perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are delicious served over a bed of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even polenta. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. Don’t forget to drizzle the reserved cooking liquid over everything for that extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: You can sear the short ribs and assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before. Store the crockpot insert in the refrigerator, then simply place it in the base and start cooking the next morning.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
- Customization: Add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or celery for a heartier meal. You can also swap out the mushrooms for pearl onions if you prefer.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 475 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
This Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The long, slow cooking process does all the work for you, resulting in beef that’s incredibly tender and full of rich, savory flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a stress-free meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs are the perfect hearty meal for a cozy dinner. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, falling off the bone, while the vegetables absorb all the savory juices from the broth and herbs. This dish is rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of textures from the tender beef and soft vegetables.
Ingredients
3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
3 cups baby carrots
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 bay leaf
8 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tbsp garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the short ribs on each side for about 20 seconds, until browned.
Transfer the browned short ribs to a large crockpot. Add the baby carrots, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, butter, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and minced garlic.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs and vegetables from the crockpot. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf but retain the flavorful liquid.
Serve the short ribs immediately with mashed sweet potatoes, drizzling the reserved liquid from the crockpot over the top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 475