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There is nothing quite as comforting as a hearty meal that has been slowly simmering all day, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of tender beef, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables. These Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are the perfect example of comfort food at its finest. After hours of gentle cooking, the meat becomes incredibly tender, practically melting off the bone with every bite. Combined with a deeply flavorful herb-infused gravy, this dish is elegant enough for special occasions while remaining simple enough for a cozy family dinner.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how little hands-on work it requires. A quick sear before the slow cooking process helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor, while the slow cooker does the rest of the work. As the beef cooks, it absorbs the flavors of garlic, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying sauce.
Serve these succulent short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, soft polenta, or alongside roasted vegetables to soak up every drop of the luxurious gravy.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (or substitute with additional beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the short ribs dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust when searing. Season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before lightly coating each piece with flour.
Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear each short rib until deeply browned on every side. This important step creates layers of rich flavor that will carry through the entire dish. Once browned, transfer the ribs directly into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Scatter the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic around the beef inside the slow cooker. These vegetables slowly soften as they cook, adding sweetness and depth to the finished gravy.
Step 4: Make the Cooking Liquid
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme until fully combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the short ribs and vegetables. Finish by adding the bay leaves.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on Low for about 8 hours or High for 5 to 6 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat easily pulls away from the bone with a fork and is exceptionally tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Herb Gravy
Carefully remove the cooked short ribs and keep them warm. For an extra-smooth gravy, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan, discarding the vegetables if desired.
Mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering cooking liquid. Continue cooking for several minutes until the gravy thickens into a silky, glossy sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange the short ribs over your favorite side dish and generously spoon the rich herb gravy over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker beef short ribs pair wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Creamy Parmesan polenta
- Roasted root vegetables
- Garlic butter green beans
- Crusty artisan bread for soaking up the gravy
Helpful Tips
- Browning the ribs before slow cooking adds tremendous flavor and should not be skipped.
- Dry red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work beautifully in the sauce, but beef broth is an excellent alcohol-free substitute.
- The gravy can be prepared without straining if you prefer a rustic texture.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Approximate Calories: 690 calories per serving
Rich, comforting, and packed with slow-cooked flavor, these Fall-Off-the-Bone Beef Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort meal. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday family dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a satisfying homemade meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luxurious herb gravy come together to create a timeless dish that everyone will request again and again.