These crockpot beef short ribs are fall apart tender after being slow cooked all day. Optionally turn the juices into a flavorful red wine gravy to smother them with!

 

Why this recipe works


Fork tender and full of rich flavor, this easy crockpot beef short ribs recipe turns a seemingly elegant dinner into something that’s actually really simple to make. Cooked low and slow, the short ribs are nestled on top of a bath of flavorful liquids that can be thickened into the perfect gravy for smothering them with. We love a two-in-one recipe.

Beef short ribs in all their glory can take quite a bit of time in the oven, which clogs up space if you’re looking to make any side dishes in the meantime. While we’ve shown you how to make our juicy instant pot beef short ribs, it’s about time we introduce you to slow cooker beef short ribs – because sometimes it’s easier to set it and forget it.

Gravy being poured over a Crockpot Beef Short Rib

Ingredients you will need


Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions


BEEF – You can use bone-in or boneless beef short ribs for this recipe. Cook to an internal temperature of 190 – 205 F.

WINE – The alcohol content in this recipe is cooked out. The dry red wine adds rich flavoring to the short ribs. However, you can substitute with beef stock if needed.

ADDITIONS – We use a concentrated bouillon base for most of our recipes instead of broth or stock. It’s convenient, takes up a lot less space, has a more intense flavor, and is easily reconstituted with water. You can certainly use broth or stock instead. Just replace the amount of water in the recipe with stock and omit the beef base.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs


These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. Season the ribs on all sides with garlic salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 1 minute each side. Remove from skillet.short ribs searing in a skilletbeef short ribs searing in a skillet of oil
  4. Whisk all remaining ingredients except the rosemary sprigs in the crockpot.pouring red wine into crockpot with seasonings and soy saucepouring water into crockpot of gravy liquids for short ribs
  5. Add the ribs to the liquid in the crockpot, they should almost be fully submerged.
  6. Top with rosemary sprigs.rosemary sprigs on top of crockpot beef short ribs
  7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  8. Carefully remove ribs from the crockpot and set aside. Run the liquid through a fat separator. Discard fat.

    EXPERT TIP – You can optionally use the liquid to make a gravy by thickening it with a little cornstarch or flour.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips


What temperature should beef short ribs be cooked to?

For juicy, fall-apart tender beef short ribs – aim for an internal temperature of around 190 – 205F read on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the rib.

Do you have to sear the short ribs before adding them to the crockpot?

Yes, you should sear your short ribs before beginning. Searing the beef will enhance the flavor and help add a delicate crust which you simply wouldn’t get from slow cooking alone.

How do you store leftover crockpot beef short ribs?

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Close up photo of Crockpot Beef Short Ribs in a Crockpot

Serving Suggestions


Serve crockpot beef short ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice with a roasted veggie like green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, or broccoli on the side. Enjoy!


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Crockpot Beef Short Ribs in a crockpot

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Fork tender and full of rich flavor, this easy crockpot beef short ribs recipe turns a seemingly elegant dinner into something that’s actually really simple to make.