If you're looking for a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas, these Hearty Slow-Cooked Short Ribs are just what you need. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing dinner guests, this dish combines rich flavors with tender, fall-off-the-bone beef.
Beef short ribs are the star, bringing succulent texture and deep flavor. Olive oil is used for browning the ribs, adding a touch of richness. Onion and garlic provide a savory base, while beef broth and red wine create a robust sauce. Tomato paste adds depth and a slight sweetness. Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami, and dried thyme and smoked paprika lend aromatic warmth and subtle smokiness.
These short ribs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the ribs to the skillet. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 8–10 minutes. This step is all about building flavor, so don't rush it. Transfer the browned ribs to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté these until they're nice and soft, about 5 minutes. You want them to pick up all those flavorful bits left in the pan. Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the beef broth and red wine. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet's bottom as you go along – that’s where the magic is.
Once everything is well combined, pour this rich sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure even distribution of the flavors. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the ribs cook for about 8 hours, until they’re tender and practically falling off the bone.
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