Description

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are tender, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Cooked low and slow, these short ribs are infused with rich flavors from balsamic vinegar, herbs, and beef broth, making them perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 ribs)

1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons black pepper

¾ teaspoon onion powder

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1–2 tablespoons avocado oil (more as needed)

2 sweet onions, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices

6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

¼ cup balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce

2 ½ cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped

2 bay leaves

5 large carrots, cut into 1-inch thick rounds

Optional herbs for garnish (parsley, rosemary, thyme)

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Instructions

Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Season the short ribs on all sides, massaging the seasoning into the meat.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned and a nice crust forms (about 5 minutes per side). Once seared, transfer the short ribs into the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove the skillet from the heat and pour everything over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours. Add the chopped carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
Once cooked, remove the short ribs and vegetables from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, or vegetables to soak up the delicious gravy.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper to the broth.

For a gluten-free version, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar is gluten-free, and use gluten-free beef broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 4-6 hours (on high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg