Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you've been craving a cozy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe is just what you need. With a rich aroma and tender meat that falls off the bone, it's perfect for those days when you want your dinner to be both effortless and gourmet.

Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are the star of this dish, providing rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked. Olive oil is used for browning, adding a subtle depth to the meat. Onion and garlic bring aromatic sweetness, while beef broth and red wine create a savory, umami-rich sauce. Tomato paste adds a hint of tanginess, and fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with earthy, herby notes. Finally, salt and pepper season the ribs perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Browning the ribs might take some time, so be patient for the best flavor.
  • Use a good quality red wine that you’d enjoy drinking.
  • For even more flavor, marinate the ribs with the herbs overnight.

Serving Suggestions

These beef short ribs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can add a fresh contrast to the hearty dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, boneless ribs work well and will still be delicious, though they might cook a bit faster.
What can I substitute for red wine?
You can use additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces.

Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning your beef short ribs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This step is crucial to enhance the meat's natural flavors. Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it's shimmering, brown the short ribs on all sides. This might be the most time-consuming step, but it’s worth it for that delicious crust. As each rib gets a nice sear, transfer it to your slow cooker.

Using the same skillet, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté them gently until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent. Next, stir in the tomato paste. This helps to develop a deep, rich flavor base. After a minute, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Add the beef broth, rosemary, and thyme, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.

Carefully pour this aromatic mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Pop the lid on, set the cooker to low, and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender and practically falling off the bone. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses a slow cooker for hassle-free cooking.
  • Infused with rich flavors from garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  • Perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep.
  • Wine and beef broth create a luscious sauce.

Ingredients

4 lbs beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the short ribs on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste, stirring for a minute, then deglaze with red wine.
6. Pour in beef broth, add rosemary and thyme, and bring to a simmer.
7. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, covering the short ribs.
8. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
9. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

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