Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises to transform your dinner table into a haven of rich flavors and tender textures. If you’re searching for a dish that will make your taste buds dance and leave your guests raving, look no further than our Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that combines the heartiness of beef with the aromatic allure of herbs and spices, all simmered to perfection in your trusty crockpot.
Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of beef short ribs, cooked slowly to bring out their natural flavors and tenderness. This recipe is designed for busy individuals and families who crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress everyone at your dinner table. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the ease and deliciousness of Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Effortless Cooking: With just a few steps to prepare the ingredients and your crockpot doing the heavy lifting, you can spend your time doing what you love while your meal cooks itself. This is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve these delicious short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even alongside a fresh salad. The sauce is versatile enough to enhance any side dish you choose.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The tender meat and flavorful sauce will have everyone going back for seconds.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The rich and tender beef short ribs will warm you up from the inside out, making it especially perfect for those chilly evenings.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
With so many recipes out there, you might wonder what makes Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs stand out. Here are some compelling reasons to give this recipe a try:
- Healthier Cooking Method: Slow cooking allows for flavors to meld beautifully without the need for excessive oils or fats. You can enjoy a rich dish without the guilt, as the crockpot retains moisture and enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids are sure to love the tender, juicy beef and the flavorful sauce. Pair it with their favorite sides, and you have a winning meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Impressive Presentation: The deep, rich color of the beef and the vibrant vegetables create an appetizing presentation, making it a great dish for entertaining.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is budget-friendly and uses common ingredients that can be found in any grocery store.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Before you dive into cooking, gather the following ingredients and utensils to ensure a smooth cooking process:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Necessary Utensils:
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving spoon
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make your Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs. Follow these detailed steps for the best results:
- Prepare the Short Ribs: Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavors. Transfer the seared short ribs to the crockpot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will infuse the oil with flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will create a rich base for your sauce.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Pour the vegetable and broth mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and halved baby potatoes on top. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the broth as they cook.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The goal is to have the ribs tender and falling off the bone. The longer you cook them on low, the more flavor they will absorb.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs with the delicious vegetables and sauce!
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef short ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef short ribs, but make sure to thaw them before searing for optimal flavor and texture. This will help achieve the best results.
What can I serve with Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs?
These short ribs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a fresh green salad. The rich sauce also works well over rice or noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Absolutely! You can simply replace the red wine with additional beef broth for a delicious and hearty flavor without alcohol.
What type of beef short ribs are best for this recipe?
Bone-in beef short ribs are recommended for this recipe as they provide more flavor and tend to be more tender during the slow cooking process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to create a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week ahead. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our collection at Ovia Recipes or discover more slow-cooked delights like our Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs.
For visual inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.

Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds Beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Red wine (optional) Can substitute with more beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons Dried rosemary
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the seared short ribs to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the vegetable and broth mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and halved baby potatoes on top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your tender beef short ribs with the delicious vegetables and sauce!