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.

Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

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Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

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.

Why This Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Works

At the start, the short ribs are browned in hot oil so the outside firms up and gets a deep, dark crust. That crust keeps the meat from drying out later and gives the slow cooker something tasty to soak in. As the ribs sit in the slow cooker, that browned outside slowly softens again, but the meat under it stays juicy.

While the onions and garlic cook in the skillet, they soften and lose their sharp bite. Tomato paste thickens a bit in the pan and sticks to the onions and garlic, so when the red wine and beef broth go in, they pick up all the browned bits from the bottom. Everything blends into a thin, smooth sauce that can move around the ribs easily.

Over the long 8 hours on low heat, the tough parts in the short ribs slowly break down. The meat loosens from the bone and becomes very tender, but doesn’t fall apart into shreds. During that time, the garlic, herbs, wine, and broth spread through the meat and the sauce, so every bite tastes rich and soft.

Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs 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.

Mistakes To Avoid

Skipping the browning step leaves the short ribs pale and soft on the outside, so they don’t build that thin, chewy crust that holds the meat together. In the slow cooker, the surface then turns mushy and the meat can feel stringy instead of having nice, firm bites that still fall off the bone.

Crowding the pan while browning often leads to the ribs steaming instead of searing. The meat then goes into the slow cooker already wet and gray, and after hours of cooking it can taste flat and look unappetizing, with a greasy layer floating on top of the liquid.

Pouring the wine straight into the slow cooker without simmering it in the pan first keeps the alcohol from cooking off properly. After 8 hours, the sauce can still have a sharp, harsh bite and feel thinner, instead of turning into a smooth, rich cooking liquid.

Cooking on high heat instead of low makes the ribs bubble too hard around the edges. The outside tightens up and turns tough while the inside hasn’t fully relaxed yet, so the meat doesn’t shred easily and clings stubbornly to the bone.

Equipment Used:

Slow cooker, Skillet, Knife, Cutting board

Ingredients

  1. 4 lbs beef short ribs
  2. 2 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 large onion, finely chopped
  4. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup beef broth
  6. 1/2 cup red wine
  7. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  8. 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  9. 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

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

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.

Serving Ideas for Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

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.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.