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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.
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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.
CA says
This is my favorite. I scour the internet for slow cooker recipes that are different than the typical pot roast, Chili or soups. This was a big hit in my family, there were no leftovers. I loved the easy and taste of this dish
Carmen Quinones says
Will try tonight. Will braise in a pan and then take the remains and meat to an instant pot serve with mashed potatoes and asparagus.
Bev says
Too acidic. The balsamic is overpowering. Too much!
Taylor Janet says
Hi Bev, I’m working on this recipe today. I’m substituting a couple tablespoons of balsamic glaze for the 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar. It’s more condensed, a little sweeter and less acidic. I’m also adding in a tablespoon or 2 of soy sauce to offset the liquid difference. Wanted to share incase you wanted to try this. I’m adding onions to the bottom of my crock pot and this will be served over mashed potatoes so I think the saltiness levels will be just right.
pj says
Suggestion:
I wouldn’t braise the meat for 2-3 minutes. Braising (with water) is a long process that involves breaking down the meat to the bone. I think it should be sear?
Tara says
This is a delicious recipe! We have made it many times using flank steak instead of short ribs. We shred it and serve over mashed potatoes.