Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Slow-cooked beef short ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy, and packed with deep, savory flavors. When cooked low and slow, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the bone adding even more richness to the dish. Braised in a flavorful broth of wine, garlic, and herbs, these short ribs are perfect for a chilly evening or a special gathering. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, and prepare for an unforgettable meal.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 3-4 hours (oven)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 40g
• Dietary Preference: Gluten-free

Ingredients List

For the Ribs:

• 3 lbs (1.3 kg) bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Braising Liquid:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 bay leaves

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Season and Sear the Short Ribs

1. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step locks in flavor. Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker or a Dutch oven if using the oven method.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Deglaze with Wine

1. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Simmer the wine for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.

4. Combine Ingredients for Braising

1. Pour the wine and vegetable mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker (or Dutch oven).
2. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Make sure the liquid covers at least half of the ribs.

5. Cook Low and Slow

• For Slow Cooker:
  Set to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
• For Oven:
  Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and braise for 3-4 hours.

6. Finish and Serve

1. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker or oven and discard the bay leaves and herb stems.
2. Skim off any excess fat from the top of the braising liquid. Optionally, reduce the sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to thicken it.
3. Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or creamy risotto, with the rich sauce spooned generously on top.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Choose well-marbled ribs: The fat in short ribs melts during slow cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the meat creates a caramelized crust, adding depth of flavor.
• Use good wine: Since the wine contributes to the sauce, choose a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking.
• Make it ahead: These short ribs taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. Simply reheat gently on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use boneless short ribs?

Yes! While bone-in ribs provide more flavor, boneless ribs are a good alternative and cook just as well.

What if I don’t have red wine?

You can replace the wine with more beef broth or balsamic vinegar (use ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup broth) for added richness.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover ribs in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with some sauce to keep them moist.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the ribs and vegetables. Then, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Slow-cooked to perfection, these beef short ribs are comfort food at its finest. With tender meat falling off the bone and a rich, savory sauce, this dish will become a favorite in your household. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Get ready to savor every bite of this flavorful masterpiece!