Slow Cooker Pub-Style Short Ribs with Creamy Mash
Fall-off-the-bone slow cooker short ribs, simmered in dark beer & beef broth, just like your favourite pub lunch! Easy, comforting, and utterly delicious. Get the recipe!

- Slow Cooker Pub-Style Short Ribs with Creamy Mash: A Proper Treat
- Slow Cooker Pub-Style Short Ribs with Creamy Mash Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
- From Hob Goblin to Heaven: Slow Cooking, Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for Pub-Worthy Perfection
- Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Short Rib Game
- Frequently Asked Questions
Right then, let's get to it! slow cooker short ribs , eh? sounds like a proper sunday lunch, even if it is tuesday.
I'm gonna give you the rundown on how to make a version that reminds me of a proper british pub meal, all comforting and hearty.
Slow Cooker Pub-Style Short Ribs with Creamy Mash: A Proper Treat
Ever get that craving for something rib-stickingly good? something that just warms you from the inside out? well, my recipe for slow cooker short ribs is just the ticket.
Think tender, fall-off-the-bone beef, simmered in a rich, dark beer and beef broth gravy, and you are on your way there.
It’s proper pub grub, but without the queue at the bar. and the best bit? the crock pot slow cooker does most of the graft for you!
What Makes These Ribs Special?
This short ribs recipe oven crock pot hybrid draws on familiar british pub flavours, but with a cheat's twist. it's easy enough for a novice, but tastes like you've been slaving away all day.
We're talking about 20 minutes prep, and then 6- 8 hours in the slow cooker on low, or 3-4 on high.
That's enough for four hungry souls, or perhaps short ribs for two with leftovers for a cracking sandwich the next day.
The best way to cook beef short ribs is definitely in the slow cooker!
A Few Healthy Reasons to Indulge
Okay, let's not kid ourselves, this isn't health food. however! beef is a good source of iron, which is essential, and the slow cooking process helps break down the tough fibres, making it easier to digest.
More importantly, a happy tummy equals a happy you, right? these short beef ribs recipe oven or slow cooker style are perfect for a chilly evening, a celebratory meal, or simply when you need a bit of comfort.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how easy it is to get proper pub quality braised short ribs recipe style at home, for half the price.
Next Up: Ingredients That Make Magic
So, you're practically drooling thinking about those red wine short ribs crock pot ! here's what you need to get started.
Get your onions, carrots and other flavour enhancers ready. i know you are up to it.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these unbelievably tender slow cooker short ribs . this ain’t rocket science, promise! this recipe is easily a short ribs for two or four kinda night.
Slow Cooker Pub-Style Short Ribs with Creamy Mash Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) dark beer (stout or porter recommended)
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch or all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 lbs (900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk or cream
- 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🥄 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. Remove ribs and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the dark beer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Place the seared short ribs into the slow cooker, nestling them among the vegetables. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the short ribs are very tender and easily shred with a fork.
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with milk/cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Remove ribs from the slow cooker. If desired, thicken the sauce by whisking together cornstarch/flour with cold water and stirring into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
- The meat should easily fall off the bone. Shred it if prefered or leave the ribs whole. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes (if making) and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Ingredients & Equipment
Seriously, you probably already have most of this stuff. I always feel proper chuffed when I don't need a massive shop. Here's what you'll need.
Main Ingredients
- Beef Short Ribs: 2 lbs (900g) bone-in is the way to go. I reckon quality is key here. Look for good marbling (that's the fat, helps make it super tender). If you are looking for a boneless short ribs recipe crockpot , adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any will do.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Dark Beer: 1 cup (240ml) . Stout or porter works a treat. Something with some flavour.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups (480ml) low sodium is best, innit?
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Don’t skip this!
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (5ml)
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml)
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Cornstarch (Optional): 1 tbsp (15ml) . To thicken the sauce if needed.
- Cold Water (Optional): 2 tbsp (30ml) . For mixing with the cornstarch.
If you want a lovely Creamy Mash to go with, and honestly, why wouldn’t you?
- Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) russet or Yukon Gold.
- Milk/Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Butter: 4 tbsp (57g)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously!
Seasoning Notes
Alright, so here's the thing. this is where you can have a bit of fun. the thyme and rosemary are pretty essential.
The balance is really important, so you should make sure you balance it, and for the best result, try simmering short ribs
- Essential Spice Combo: Thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper. It’s a classic for a reason! Some people have a short beef ribs recipe oven .
- Flavour Enhancers: That Worcestershire sauce really brings out the umami. So does the dark beer. Honestly, don't underestimate the beer! You could even have a go at an Asian Short Ribs Recipe Crockpot
- Quick Subs: Don't have dried thyme or rosemary? A teaspoon of Italian seasoning will do in a pinch! Try Korean Beef Short Ribs Slow Cooker for a change. I am experimenting myself with Crockpot Korean Short Ribs
Equipment Needed
Don't go mad, yeah? You don't need a fancy kitchen for this.
- Essential Tools: Slow cooker (a 6-quart crock pot slow cooker or larger is ideal for these short ribs slow cooker ), a good skillet or Dutch oven, chopping board, and a decent knife.
- Household Alternatives: No skillet? A large frying pan works perfectly! No potato masher? A fork and some elbow grease will get you there! I am curious how that Red Wine Short Ribs Crock Pot tastes, I might give it a go next time. Or try Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs , if you are that way inclined, or want to try a Korean Short Ribs Marinade .
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! we're diving headfirst into the world of slow cooker short ribs . honestly, there's nothing quite like the smell of tender beef wafting through the house all day.
It's pure comfort, innit? this short ribs recipe oven alternative is a weeknight winner, a sunday lunch star, and basically foolproof.
Even i can't mess it up, and trust me, that's saying something. if you’re looking for short ribs for two or need to feed a whole crew, this crock pot wonder is the answer.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first, the mise en place . it’s a fancy french term, basically meaning "everything in its place." chop your veg: one large onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks.
Mince two cloves of garlic. grab that tomato paste. this is where time-saving happens. honestly, prepping all the veggies ahead of time is half the battle.
For our essential mise en place , that's about it. no safety warnings here, unless you're really rubbish with a knife!
From Hob Goblin to Heaven: Slow Cooking, Step-by-Step
Right, here's the nitty-gritty:
- Sear those 2 lbs (900g) bone-in beef short ribs . Get your 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil hot in a skillet. Season the ribs well with salt and pepper. Brown them on all sides for about 3- 4 minutes per side . Searing is key for that rich flavor!
- Sauté your chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste and cook for another minute .
- Deglaze with 1 cup (240ml) dark beer —stout or porter. This is where the magic happens! Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes .
- Into the slow cooker goes the veggie mixture. Add 2 cups (480ml) beef broth , 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce , 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme , 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary , and a bay leaf.
- Nestle those seared short ribs in amongst the veggies and liquid. Make sure they're mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The critical temperature is fork-tender, you know? They should shred easily.
Pro Tips for Pub-Worthy Perfection
Don't skip the searing, seriously! it adds a depth of flavour you can't get any other way. using good quality beef broth is expert technique , makes a huge difference.
And low and slow is the way to go. resist the urge to crank up the heat. this is about patience.
Want to get ahead? brown the ribs and chop the veg the night before. store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.
I often do this for a make-ahead option . if you want to try different cuts, you could also use boneless short ribs recipe crockpot .
Thinking about trying asian short ribs recipe crockpot ? you’ll need to change the liquid, don’t use beer and rosemary.
Honestly, this short beef ribs recipe oven alternative is the best way to cook beef short ribs with minimal effort.
Serve it over some creamy mash (recipe included, of course!). you'll be proper chuffed with yourself.

Right then, let's talk about these slow cooker short ribs . honestly, there's more to it than just chucking everything in the pot.
So, before you get stuck in, have a butcher's at these little nuggets of wisdom. they'll make all the difference between "meh" and "oh my gosh, these are amazing!".
These short beef ribs recipe oven can be tweaked a bit, so listen up!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Short Rib Game
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
You know, how you plate something can make a massive difference. these short ribs recipe are proper comfort food. a big dollop of creamy mash is just the ticket.
Think about drizzling the rich sauce over the top. a sprig of rosemary or parsley? bang tidy! it's like those fancy restaurants.
Don't forget some perfectly roasted carrots alongside for a complete pub classic. to drink? you can't go wrong with a nice glass of red.
Or even the same dark beer you used in the crock pot .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? lucky you! these slow cooker short ribs taste even better the next day. just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll be good for about 3-4 days. reheating instructions are simple. nuke 'em in the microwave or gently heat them up in a pan on the hob.
If you're thinking long-term, these also freeze brilliantly! just make sure they're completely cooled before you stick them in the freezer.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, and bob's your uncle. you can even use a boneless short ribs recipe crockpot crock pot slow cooker beef to make it easier to store the meat after you have taken it off of the bone.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Feeling adventurous? why not chuck in a splash of red wine instead of beer? makes it all a bit fancier, right? for a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can also go asian short ribs recipe crockpot , using a korean short ribs marinade . you could use a crockpot korean short ribs recipe, swapping ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an asian short ribs recipe crockpot .
This makes for a delicious korean beef short ribs slow cooker dish. don't be afraid to experiment with a slow cooker asian short ribs recipe.
Dietary Adaptations: Making it Work for Everyone
Got someone who can't have gluten? no worries. just make sure your beef stock and worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. use cornflour instead of plain flour to thicken the sauce and you're golden.
For a healthier version of short beef ribs recipe oven , you could trim off some of the excess fat before serving.
Remember, the best best way to cook beef short ribs is the way that best suits your needs. if you want short ribs for two just halve the recipe.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About What You're Eatin'
Okay, so these slow cooker short ribs aren't exactly a salad. but they're packed with protein, which is great for keeping you full.
You get about 650 calories per serving. there are also about 50 grams of protein in this recipe. it also has about 40 grams of fat and 15 grams of carbs.
They've got some iron in them. that's important for energy. just remember everything in moderation, eh? a bit of exercise, a balanced diet, and you're sorted.
So, there you have it. all the insider tips and tricks for making the perfect slow cooker short ribs . now get in the kitchen and have a crack at it.
You've got this! and remember, if it doesn't turn out perfect the first time, don't sweat it. that is how you learn how to cook short ribs .
Just keep trying, and you'll be a braised short ribs recipe pro in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these slow cooker short ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they often taste even better the next day. Cook the ribs completely, let them cool slightly, and then store them in the slow cooker or an airtight container in the fridge. The next day, simply reheat them gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
My slow cooker short ribs are a bit tough. What went wrong?
Tough short ribs usually mean they haven't cooked long enough. Different slow cookers cook at slightly different rates, so it might just need more time. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid and give them another hour or two on low. You're aiming for that fall-off-the-bone tenderness, like the Sunday roast your Nan used to make!
Can I use different cuts of beef for this slow cooker short ribs recipe?
While short ribs are ideal due to their marbling and rich flavor, you could experiment. Chuck roast or boneless beef ribs could work, but they might not have the same melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly – you're still aiming for that fork-tender finish. Think of it like swapping sausages in a toad-in-the-hole; it's possible, but not quite the same!
How do I thicken the sauce from these slow cooker short ribs if it's too thin?
No worries, a thin sauce is easily fixed! The recipe suggests using cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn, alright?
Are slow cooker short ribs healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Slow cooker short ribs can be part of a balanced diet, but they are relatively high in fat due to the nature of the cut. To make them healthier, trim excess fat from the ribs before cooking and skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the sauce during or after cooking. Serving them with a generous portion of vegetables or a lighter side like a salad can also help balance the meal.
I don't have dark beer, what else can I use in these slow cooker short ribs?
Don't fret, mate! If you're out of dark beer, a good substitute is dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Or you could use more beef broth along with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of molasses to add some depth of flavor. Basically, you're aiming for something that gives it that rich, malty taste without the booze.
Previous Recipe: Juicy Bottom Round Roast: My Sunday Best Recipe!
Next Recipe: Tangy Southern Comfort: My Go-To Pickled Okra