Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

Name: Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 h 15 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup beef broth; 4 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 bay leaf; 2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups dry red wine or beef broth; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; Salt and pepper to taste

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Cook: 6-1/4 hours

Yield 6 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

It is easy to learn how to cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The slow-cooker short ribs become so tender that you can cut the meat with a fork! The beef short ribs cook in a rich braising liquid that doubles as a gravy when it comes time to serve.

Ingredients

3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup beef broth
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups dry red wine or beef broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. In batches, brown ribs on all sides; transfer to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Add carrots, broth, thyme and bay leaf to ribs.
Add onions to the same skillet; cook and stir over medium heat 8-9 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook 8-10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.
Remove ribs and vegetables; keep warm. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan; skim off fat. Discard thyme and bay leaf. Bring juices to a boil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Return to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. Serve with ribs and vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.

These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Recipe Creator