Meet your new favorite comfort dish: Zesty Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs. With a rich, tangy sauce and fall-off-the-bone tender meat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for lazy weekends or impressing guests without the stress.
Beef short ribs are the star of this dish, delivering rich, meaty flavor and a tender texture when slow-cooked. Olive oil helps sear the ribs, locking in their juices. Onion and garlic provide a savory base, enhancing the depth of the sauce. Beef broth adds richness, while apple cider vinegar brings a necessary tang. Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce boost umami, and honey adds a hint of sweetness. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds depth. Dijon mustard gives a gentle kick, and smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness. Finally, a touch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes rounds out the flavor profile.
Pair these ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the rich flavors and balances the meal.
Start by seasoning your beef short ribs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the meat is flavorful from the get-go. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the ribs, searing them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This browning process is crucial as it locks in those savory juices and adds depth to your dish.
Transfer the beautifully browned ribs to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, lifting any browned bits stuck to the pan. This step adds layers of flavor that will infuse the sauce.
Next, pour in the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the honey, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Carefully pour this aromatic mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. This long, slow process breaks down the meat, resulting in ribs so tender they practically melt in your mouth.
When the ribs are done, remove them from the cooker. Strain the sauce into a saucepan, skimming off any excess fat. Drizzle the sauce over the ribs when serving, or allow guests to add their own.