The Best Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Fall-Apart Goodness

Rich, mouthwatering crockpot beef short ribs convert ordinary dinners into unforgettable culinary experiences.

These succulent meat cuts promise deeply satisfying flavor profiles that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Slow cooking unlocks incredible tenderness through gentle heat and strategic seasoning techniques.

Robust marinades infuse each tender morsel with complex, layered taste sensations that dance across taste buds.

Unexpected spice combinations elevate these classic protein selections beyond traditional preparation methods.

Home cooks can easily master this seemingly sophisticated dish with minimal kitchen expertise.

Professional-quality results await those willing to embrace simple cooking strategies.

What Makes Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs So Good

• Unlock Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: These crockpot beef short ribs transform tough meat into an incredibly soft, succulent dish that practically dissolves on your tongue with zero effort.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Prep: Searing the meat and tossing ingredients into the crockpot creates a rich, deeply layered taste profile without requiring complex cooking techniques or hours of active kitchen work.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The slow, low-temperature method allows busy home cooks to walk away while the crockpot works its magic, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal supervision and guaranteed deliciousness.
• Versatile Comfort Food Centerpiece: Perfect for weekend family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you crave a hearty meal that impresses without stressing, these short ribs elevate any dining experience with minimal culinary skills required.

Ingredients Needed for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Beef Short Ribs: Premium cut with deep, rich flavor that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, perfect for a melt-in-your-mouth main dish.

• Garlic, Baby Carrots, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables and aromatics that add layers of flavor and enhance the overall depth of the dish.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme Sprigs: Classic herbs that provide earthy and subtle background notes to the meat.

• Beef Broth: Rich liquid base that helps tenderize the meat and creates a delicious cooking sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight acidity to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Step 1: Prepare Beef Short Ribs

Generously coat beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all surfaces.

Step 2: Sear Meat to Lock in Flavor

Heat skillet over medium heat and quickly brown short ribs on each side for about 20 seconds.

Step 3: Assemble Crockpot Ingredients

• Baby carrots
• Sliced mushrooms
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Butter
• Bay leaf
• Thyme sprigs
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low setting for 8 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates from bone.

Step 5: Prepare Serving Presentation

Carefully remove short ribs and vegetables from crockpot.

Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf.

Reserve the rich cooking liquid.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve short ribs alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Drizzle reserved cooking liquid over meat for enhanced flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Perfectly Sear the Meat: Brown the short ribs quickly in a hot skillet to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior before slow cooking.
• Choose Quality Beef: Select well-marbled, fresh short ribs with good fat content to ensure maximum tenderness and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Layer Aromatics Strategically: Distribute minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf evenly throughout the crockpot to infuse the meat with complex, balanced flavors during long cooking.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Keep beef broth just covering the meat to prevent drying out and maintain incredible moisture throughout the cooking process.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the short ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent and incredibly tender.

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Carefully place cooled short ribs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen short ribs maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated short ribs in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Best Pairings for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavor of short ribs with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. These wines have robust tannins that beautifully match the tender, savory beef.
• Serve with Creamy Potato Sides: The tender short ribs shine alongside mashed sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery textures create a perfect balance with the hearty meat.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish to brighten the deep, slow-cooked flavors. The green herbs provide a light, fresh contrast to the rich, meaty short ribs.
• Match with Roasted Root Vegetables: Complement the crockpot dish with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. These caramelized vegetables echo the earthy, savory notes of the short ribs and add delightful texture to the meal.

Creative Twists on Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Spicy Chipotle Kick: Replace beef broth with chipotle-infused broth and add diced jalapeños for a bold, smoky heat that transforms the classic short ribs recipe.
• Red Wine Infusion: Swap half the beef broth with rich red wine like cabernet sauvignon and add fresh rosemary sprigs to create a more sophisticated, depth-filled flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Soy Version: Substitute tomato paste with hoisin sauce, add ginger, and use soy sauce instead of beef broth for a sweet and savory Asian-style short ribs experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate oregano, fresh parsley, and replace bay leaf with preserved lemon for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired take on the traditional short ribs recipe.

Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent crockpot beef short ribs melt with rich, slow-cooked comfort from hearty Italian herbs and red wine. Savory meat falls apart effortlessly, promising a luxurious dinner that wraps you in warm, rustic flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) bone-in beef short ribs

Vegetables:

• 3 cups baby carrots
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Liberally coat the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage on all exterior surfaces.
2. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and quickly sear each side of the ribs for approximately 20 seconds, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
3. Carefully transfer the beautifully browned ribs into the crockpot, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
4. Gently layer baby carrots, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and aromatic herbs like bay leaf and thyme sprigs around the meat.
5. Pour beef broth and tomato paste over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to settle between the ribs and vegetables.
6. Add a pat of butter to enhance the richness and depth of the emerging sauce.
7. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with complex flavors.
8. Once cooking completes, delicately remove the short ribs and vegetables from the liquid, discarding herb stems.
9. Strain the remaining cooking liquid to create a luxurious sauce for drizzling.
10. Plate the succulent short ribs alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes, generously spooning the reserved cooking liquid over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Searing the short ribs before slow cooking creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in deep, rich flavors and helps develop a stunning golden-brown crust.
• Cooking on low heat for 8 hours transforms tough beef short ribs into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat that literally falls off the bone with minimal effort.
• Using baby carrots and mushrooms adds subtle earthy sweetness and extra nutritional depth to the dish, while creating a complete one-pot meal.
• The combination of beef broth, tomato paste, and butter forms a luxurious, silky sauce that intensifies the meat’s natural umami characteristics.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf infuse the dish with aromatic complexity, elevating the overall taste profile without overwhelming the beef’s primary flavor.
• Drizzling the reserved cooking liquid over the plated short ribs ensures maximum flavor intensity and provides a restaurant-quality finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 110mg