Slow Cooker Savory Beef Ribs

Slow Cooker Savory Beef Ribs are a delightful dish where beef ribs are browned and then slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth and vegetable blend in a crockpot. This dish transforms a tough cut of beef into a tender, fall-off-the-bone culinary delight, perfect for any meat lover’s meal.

Ingredients & Variations

• Beef Ribs: Opt for beef short ribs for this recipe, known for their flavor and tenderness when braised.
• Vegetables: This recipe includes onions and mushrooms, enhanced with garlic and tomato paste for depth. Feel free to add carrots or other root vegetables to your taste.
• Beef Broth: Primarily uses beef broth, but a combination of broth and a dry red wine can enrich the flavor profile.

Choosing the Best Short Ribs

When selecting short ribs, look for cuts that are well-marbled and bone-in, with minimal surface fat. English-style cut short ribs are preferred for their suitability for braising, though flanken-style can also be used.

Preparation Tips for Short Ribs

Trim excess fat from the ribs before cooking, but leave the silverskin intact to keep the meat attached to the bone. Season the ribs well with salt and pepper.

Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Savory Beef Ribs

1. Browning the Ribs: Season the ribs with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high and sear the ribs on each side. Transfer to your crockpot.
2. Sautéing Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms with tomato paste, then add garlic.
3. Deglazing and Simmering: Increase heat, add beef broth, and bring to a boil. Simmer briefly before pouring over the ribs in the crockpot.
4. Slow Cooking: Set your crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-5 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
5. Serving: Ideal over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, complemented by roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) beef short ribs
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (227 g) baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) garlic, minced
• 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs: Season all sides of the ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Ribs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear ribs on each side for 1-2 minutes until browned. Transfer to the crockpot.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, mushrooms, and tomato paste. Cook until onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Deglaze: Pour in beef broth, increase to high heat, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, scraping the pan’s bottom.
5. Slow Cook: Pour the vegetable and broth mixture over the ribs in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-5 hours until the ribs are tender.
6. Serve: Enjoy your ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

This recipe for Slow Cooker Savory Beef Ribs promises a delectable, comforting meal with rich flavors and tender meat, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.