Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! These Slow Cooker Beef Short Rib Sandwiches are not just a meal; they're a tender, flavor-packed experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create restaurant-quality sandwiches that seem like they took hours of professional chef expertise to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 sandwich rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer to serve as a base for the meat.
- Arrange the seasoned short ribs on top of the onions, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the short ribs to distribute flavor throughout the meat.
- Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, carefully adding it around the sides of the meat to avoid washing off the seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 7-8 hours until the meat becomes extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the short ribs and shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Stir the barbecue sauce into the shredded meat, ensuring it is well coated and heated through.
- Lightly toast the sandwich rolls to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Generously pile the sauced short rib meat onto the toasted rolls, using any remaining cooking liquid from the slow cooker for extra moisture if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select well-marbled beef short ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - these help develop a rich, deep flavor profile.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 7-8 hour slow cook is what makes the meat incredibly tender and falling apart.
- Onion Layer Matters: The sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker aren't just for flavor - they prevent the meat from sticking and add moisture.
- Toast Those Rolls: Lightly toasting the sandwich rolls prevents sogginess and adds a delightful crunch.
- Sauce Control: Add barbecue sauce gradually and taste as you go to control the flavor intensity.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These sandwiches actually taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 736kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
