Fall-Off-The-Bone Crock-Pot Beef Short Ribs
My secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs crock pot? A simple sear and slow cook in red wine sauce. Dinner doesn't get easier (or tastier!) Get the recipe!

Alright, y'all ready for some real comfort food? seriously, who doesn't love something that just melts in your mouth? i'm talking about beef short ribs crock pot , baby! this ain't your fancy-pants restaurant dish; this is the best way to cook beef short ribs for a chill sunday night.
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever walk into a restaurant and get smacked in the face by the aroma of braised meat? the secret? it's probably something like these red wine short ribs crock pot , and now you can make them at home.
Oh my gosh, so good!
Brief Overview
This recipe? it’s basically a french kiss to your taste buds! think boeuf bourguignon , but way easier. it's a classic, but simplified for busy peeps like us.
Honestly, it’s so easy, even my grandma could make it! it takes about 7- 8 hours on low or 4- 5 hours on high.
This makes about 4 servings – perfect for a small get-together or even short ribs for two if you're feeling romantic.
Main Benefits
One of the biggest wins with this recipe? it's packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied. picture this: a chilly evening, a glass of wine, and these beef short ribs crock pot simmering away in the kitchen.
This recipe is special because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Okay, let's move onto the ingredients!
Fall-Off-The-Bone Crock-Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2.5-3 pounds (1.1-1.4 kg) beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot work well)
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cornstarch or all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Remove ribs from skillet and set aside. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (this is called deglazing and adds tons of flavor). Simmer for a few minutes to reduce the wine slightly.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and wine mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Place the seared short ribs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the ribs are extremely tender and easily shred with a fork.
- If desired, remove ribs from slow cooker and set aside. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch or flour and cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Return ribs to the slow cooker to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients & Equipment: Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot Magic
Alright, let's talk grub. Getting this beef short ribs crock pot party started is easier than you think! Honestly, it's mostly about having the right stuff on hand. Let's break it down.
Main Ingredients: The Beefy Goodness
Beef Short Ribs: 2.5-3 pounds (1.1-1.4 kg). Look for well-marbled ribs. That fat equals flavor, my friend! Marbling is key for the best way to cook beef short ribs .
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Any kind will do.
Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g). Yellow onions are my go-to, but white works too.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g). Baby carrots are fine if you're lazy like me.
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g). Adds that je ne sais quoi .
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Don't skip it! Adds depth.
Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml). use something you'd actually drink. cabernet sauvignon is the red wine short ribs crock pot winner in my book.
Beef short ribs no wine ? use broth and a splash of vinegar.
Beef Broth: 2 cups (480 ml). Low sodium is your friend.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Umami bomb!
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Adds a woodsy note.
Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). A little goes a long way.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to fish it out before serving!
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously.
Cornstarch/Flour: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (optional). For thickening.
Cold Water: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (optional). For thickening.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish. Makes it look fancy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up
Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo. add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. no rosemary? italian seasoning is your friend.
Simmering short ribs recipe without specific herbs? you got this!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Skillet: For searing. A Dutch oven works too.
- Crock-Pot: Obviously! A crock pot slow cooker beef dream come true.
- Tongs: For wrangling those ribs.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate measuring. Short ribs for two ? Just halve the amounts.
- Small Bowl: For thickening slurry.
No fancy equipment needed. i've made beef short ribs crock pot using a saucepan, then transferring to my short ribs recipe oven crock pot and it came out just awesome! honestly, the slow cooker does most of the work.
It is possible to achieve a boneless short ribs recipe crockpot style for dinner. it's your call.

Fall-Off-The-Bone Beef Short Ribs Crock Pot : Your New Sunday Staple
Oh my gosh, you have to try this! this beef short ribs crock pot recipe is seriously a game-changer. forget slaving away all day.
We're talking maximum flavor with minimum effort. these short ribs just melt in your mouth. let's dive in! it's honestly the best way to cook beef short ribs , hands down.
Plus, imagine coming home to the smell of this after a long day...pure bliss! one study even shows that the smell of slow-cooked food can reduce stress levels.
Sounds good, right?
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Steps
First things first: the mise en place . it's fancy french for "everything in its place." get your short ribs for two (or four!) out.
Chop 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. mince 4 cloves of garlic. measure out your 1 cup (240 ml) red wine , 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce, and spices.
Having everything ready saves so much time!
Safety note: Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.
Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Sear those ribs! Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a skillet. Season the 2.5-3 pounds (1.1-1.4 kg) short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown on all sides, about 2- 3 minutes per side .
- Sauté the aromatics. Remove ribs. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes. Add garlic and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste; cook 1 more minute.
- Deglaze that pan! Pour in the red wine . Scrape up those yummy browned bits. Simmer until slightly reduced.
- Crock-Pot time! Transfer veggies and wine to your slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) thyme, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) rosemary, and 1 bay leaf.
- Add the beef short ribs . Make sure they are mostly covered in liquid.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 7- 8 hours or high for 4- 5 hours . They should be crazy tender.
- Thicken (optional): Remove ribs. Skim off fat. Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water. Stir into the sauce. Cook on high 15- 20 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and devour! Return ribs to the slow cooker to warm. Garnish with parsley.
Pro Tips for the Win
- Don't skip the searing! Seriously, it adds so much flavor.
- Worried about the Short Ribs Without Wine ? Just use beef broth or chicken broth and a splash of red wine vinegar! Works like a charm. This makes it a great Short Beef Ribs Recipe Oven option.
- To make the sauce extra rich, use bone-in short ribs.
Honestly, this short ribs recipe oven crock pot is so easy, it's almost cheating! and let's be real, red wine short ribs crock pot just sounds fancy, doesn't it? this recipe is inspired by classic simmering short ribs recipe .
Don't you just love it when dinner is this easy and delicious? Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs crock pot !
Okay, so we’ve got these amazing beef short ribs crock pot recipe all laid out. Now, let's talk about how to really make it yours. Honestly, this is where the fun begins!
Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Crock-Pot Glory
These red wine short ribs crock pot are pretty forgiving, but a few tweaks can seriously level up your dinner game. Think of this section as your personal cheat sheet.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate
Forget boring plating. i like to serve these beef short ribs crock pot over creamy mashed potatoes. you know, the kind with tons of butter and cream? yeah, that kind.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy! or, try serving them over polenta. if you're feeling ambitious, whip up some roasted root veggies on the side.
A glass of the same red wine you cooked with? chef's kiss! seriously, a good short ribs recipe oven crock pot always is a winner.
Storage Tips: Future You Will Thank You
Got leftovers? lucky you! these beef short ribs crock pot taste even better the next day. store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Don't forget that if you don't have a crock pot , you can use the short beef ribs recipe oven method.
Variations: Let’s Get Crazy (But Not Too Crazy)
Want to switch things up? i get it! for a gluten-free version, make sure you use gluten-free worcestershire sauce and thicken the sauce with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
And hey, if you're watching your carbs, you can skip the carrots and use a low-carb thickener. feeling seasonal? in the fall, add some butternut squash chunks to the slow cooker.
Seriously, this is the best way to cook beef short ribs , tailored to your own taste. even a short ribs without wine version, is great too.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body (and Soul)
Okay, let's be real. these beef short ribs crock pot aren't exactly health food. but they are packed with protein and iron.
And honestly, sometimes you just need a little comfort food. each serving has roughly 550-650 calories, 40-50 grams of protein, 30-40 grams of fat and 15-20 grams of carbs.
Don’t be scared of the fat! that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from. plus, boneless short ribs recipe crockpot crock pot slow cooker beef provides some great fats.
I made this recipe and i cooked my short ribs for two and my daughter and wife loved it so much.
We used a simmering short ribs recipe . and they told me that this beef short ribs no wine version is really good.
Look, cooking should be fun, not stressful! so, don't be afraid to experiment and make this beef short ribs crock pot recipe your own.
And don't worry if things don't go perfectly the first time. that's how you learn! get in the kitchen and start cooking.
You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really use my slow cooker for beef short ribs? I thought they needed to be braised in the oven!
Absolutely! Using a crock pot for beef short ribs is a fantastic way to get that fall-off-the-bone tenderness with minimal effort. The slow, consistent heat mimics traditional braising, breaking down the tough connective tissues in the ribs. Think of it as a set-it-and-forget-it version of your favorite Sunday roast!
Why do I need to sear the beef short ribs before putting them in the crock pot? It seems like an extra step.
Searing the beef short ribs is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. It's all about the Maillard reaction, which creates those delicious browned bits that add so much complexity to the final dish. Trust me, skipping this step is like making a cup of tea without the tea bag – you'll be missing out on a key element!
What kind of wine should I use for beef short ribs crock pot recipe? And can I skip the wine altogether?
For the best flavor, use a dry red wine like Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. However, don't feel pressured to splurge – a decent bottle you'd happily drink is perfectly fine. If you're avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the wine with an equal amount of beef broth, plus a tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to provide some acidity. It won't be exactly the same, but still delicious!
How do I know when my beef short ribs in the crock pot are done?
The ribs are ready when they are incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork. The meat should pull away from the bone with minimal effort. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so start checking them around the 7-hour mark on low or 4-hour mark on high. When in doubt, a little longer is better than undercooked!
My beef short ribs crock pot sauce is too thin! How do I thicken it up?
No worries, it happens! The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to create a slurry. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. If you're avoiding cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work well too.
How long can I store leftover beef short ribs? And can I freeze them?
Leftover beef short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They're also freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. A splash of beef broth can help rehydrate the meat.
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