Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of crockpot short ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the short ribs.
- The rich and flavorful sauce that complements the meat perfectly.
- Easy preparation and hands-off cooking in the crockpot.
Ingredient Notes:
- Meaty bone-in short ribs: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Carrots, celery, onion: Provide aromatic and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce: Enhance the depth of flavor.
- Dry red wine: Adds complexity and richness to the sauce.
- Beef or chicken stock: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a hint of smokiness to the dish.
- Fresh thyme: Infuses the sauce with earthy aromatics.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Optional for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Sear the ribs in a skillet until browned.
- Place the ribs in a crockpot with vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, wine, stock, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta.
Helpful Tips:
- Searing the short ribs before slow cooking enhances the flavor.
- Make sure to skim off any excess fat from the sauce before serving.
- For a deeper flavor, refrigerate the dish overnight and reheat the next day.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use bone-in short ribs for the best flavor and texture.
- Opt for a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon for a richer sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless short ribs instead?
- While bone-in short ribs offer more flavor, boneless ribs can be used as a substitute.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
- Yes, you can braise the short ribs in a Dutch oven in the oven at 325°F for 3-4 hours.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, the dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with crockpot short ribs?
- This dish pairs well with creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion:
Impress your friends and family with this delectable crockpot short ribs recipe. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Try it out and let us know how it turned out!
PrintCrockpot Short Ribs
Tender and flavorful Crockpot Short Ribs cooked in a rich red wine sauce with vegetables and herbs. Perfectly pairs with mashed potatoes or pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pounds meaty bone-in short ribs, 1 ½ inches or thicker
- 5 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 6 medium carrots, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 4 ribs celery, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bottle 750 ml dry red wine
- 3 cups beef stock or chicken stock
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8–10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Ribs: Rub short ribs with 4 teaspoons of salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Ribs: Brown the ribs in a skillet over high heat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Add tomato paste, wine, stock, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and remaining salt to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on low for 8 hours until ribs are tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Discard thyme bundle, garnish with parsley, and serve with desired sides.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, sear the ribs before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg