This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.
These slow cooker short ribs are so tender and delicious they fall right off the bone but the best part is how easy they are!
What is a Short Rib?
Short ribs come from the beef chuck of the animal, and consist of the ends of the ribs near the breastbone. These ribs are shorter than traditional ribs and although not as tender they have great flavor.
Best Way to Cook Short Ribs
The best way to cook short ribs is low and slow and that is just how the slow cooker does it. They cook for about 4-6 hours on low.
Ingredients Needed
- Short Ribs. You can use boneless but I prefer bone in short ribs. See below for short rib alternatives.
- Rub. Use a combination of salt, dried rosemary, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, black pepper
- Olive Oil. Could also use canola or vegetable oil.
- Tomato Sauce. Canned sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic. Fresh, minced garlic
How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs
- In a bowl, combine the spice rub.
- Rub mixture into all sides of the short ribs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Braise the ribs for 2-3 minutes each side or until lightly browned.
- Put ribs in slow cooker
- Mix together balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and garlic and pour in with ribs.
- Cook for 4-6 hours on low or until meat is tender.
How to Make Gravy with Drippings
There will be delicious leftover drippings and don’t let them go to waste. You can easily turn them into gravy.
In a saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp of butter, add in 2 Tbsp of flour and stir to form a roux or a paste. Strain the leftover juices and add into flour/butter mixture. Stir over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of short ribs?
You can use:
Chuck Roast (cut into 2 inch pieces)
Beef Back Ribs
Beef Shank
Brisket
Can I cook this in the Instant Pot?
This recipe works well in the Instant Pot. Use the saute feature to braise the meat. The Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of liquid so add in 1/2 cup of beef broth. Use the manual high pressure function and set it to high. Cook the short ribs for 45 minutes, do a 10 minute natural release.
What does it mean to “braise”?
Braising is the process of browning the meat over high heat to seal in all those yummy juices.
Should I use Bone In or Boneless Short Ribs?
Should I use Bone In or Boneless Short Ribs?
Check out more of my slow cooker recipes:
And here is a slow cooker just like the one I love and use.
Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs. bone in beef short ribs
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic minced
Spice Rub
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried rubbed sage
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the spice rub. Rub mixture onto all sides of the short ribs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Braise the ribs for 2-3 minutes each side or until lightly browned.
- Put ribs in slow cooker
- Mix together balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, sugar and garlic. Pour over short ribs
- Cook for 4-6 hours on low or until meat is tender.
Nancy says
The gravy was really good, I do think they could have cooked longer, some of my ribs were falling off the bone but most were not. I guess it depends on the amount of meat on the bones. But love the recipe, it was my first time to make short ribs. I will be making them again. Thank you for sharing the recipe
Leigh Anne says
Nancy, The amount of meat on the bones will effect the cook time – glad you enjoyed them!
Amy Lampert says
I made these for dinner tonight, and they were delicious. I left out the sage (I don’t own any) and the rosemary (not a huge fan). It couldn’t have been simpler. I’m looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow. I’ve never made short ribs before, but I definitely will again.
Leigh Anne says
Amy, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I love hearing when people enjoy one of my recipes!!
Malaika says
I cooked these tonight and they were absolutely falling-off-the-bone scrumptious! I didn’t have time to braise them and I used Xylitol instead of brown sugar to keep them low carb. I cooked them 5.5 hrs in low. OMG-sooo delicious! Thank you for the great recipe.
Leigh Anne says
Malaika, So glad you enjoyed them too!
Yasmine says
Hi,
I would like to avoid using a slow cooker. How can I make this in my oven instead. Do I need more liquid?
Thanks
Leigh Anne says
Yasmine, I have never tried making them in the oven I would just watch them to see if they need more liquid
Monna Hilton says
Leigh Anne, I am looking forward to your “crackpot” recipes. My close friend told me that is what her Grandma used to call the crockpot. I like my “crackpot” and would like to use it more, so will be trying some of your recipes. Thank you for sending them