
Crockpot Beef Short Ribs offer a flavorful and tender main dish, perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions. This recipe is worth the splurge, delivering a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household for its simplicity and impressive results. The combination of tender beef short ribs, aromatic herbs, and savory vegetables creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. It's ideal for busy holidays or special occasions when you want a fancy meal without the fuss.
Essential Ingredients
- Bone-In Beef Short Ribs: The star of the show, providing rich and tender meat.
- Carrots and Mushrooms: Adds depth and texture to the dish.
- Herbs/Spices: Thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and garlic enhance the flavor profile.
- Flavor Boosters: Tomato paste and butter add richness and depth.
- Liquid: Red wine and beef broth create a savory and aromatic sauce.
Browning the Beef Short Ribs
- Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides. Place them in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until browned on each side, about 5 minutes total. If you're short on time, you can skip this step and place the ribs directly into the crockpot, though browning adds texture.
Adding Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Transfer the browned beef short ribs to a large crockpot. Add carrots, mushrooms, herbs, spices, tomato paste, butter, red wine, and beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Serving the Beef Short Ribs
- Once the beef short ribs are falling off the bone, remove the herbs and set aside the vegetables. You can serve the ribs whole, cut them up, or shred them, depending on your preference.

Cooking Tips
- Gravy Note: Don't discard the cooking liquid; it makes a wonderful gravy. You can thicken it by simmering or adding a cornstarch slurry.
- Cooking Tip: Low and slow is best for this recipe. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours if you're short on time.
- Alcohol Note: Red wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with more beef broth or water if preferred.
This Crockpot Beef Short Ribs recipe is a delightful and elegant dish that's perfect for any special occasion. With its tender beef, aromatic herbs, and savory sauce, it's a meal that's sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of beef short ribs is best for this recipe?
- Bone-in beef short ribs are recommended for this recipe.
- → Can I use a different type of wine?
- Red wine is optional, and you can use additional beef broth or water if you prefer.
- → How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, and use gluten-free beef broth if needed.
- → What can I serve with these short ribs?
- Serve with a side of mashed sweet potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- → How long does this recipe take to prepare?
- It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 8 hours to cook, totaling 8 hours and 10 minutes.