Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs, infused with the rich, velvety flavors of chocolate stout. This Crockpot Chocolate Stout Beef Short Ribs recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will elevate your dinner table to gourmet heights! Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. Read on to discover how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 bottle chocolate stout beer
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
- Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned short ribs in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Once the short ribs are browned, transfer them to the crockpot. You can layer them in a single layer if possible, or stack them if necessary.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step will help to build flavor.
- After the onion and garlic are sautéed, pour in the chocolate stout beer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the deglazed mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring that the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover the ribs.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking method will make the beef tender and infuse it with the rich flavors of the stout and broth.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the short ribs from the crockpot using tongs. They will be very tender, so handle them gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the remaining liquid in the crockpot to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Serve the short ribs on a plate, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chocolate Stout Beef Short Ribs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or crusty bread!
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render down during cooking, making the meat incredibly juicy.
- Browning is Key: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the short ribs in a hot skillet enhances the flavor profile by creating a delicious crust.
- Deglaze for Depth: When you sauté the onion and garlic, make sure to deglaze the pan with the chocolate stout. This step captures all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
- Layer Wisely: If your crockpot is small, don’t worry about stacking the ribs. Just ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: Depending on your crockpot size, you may need to adjust the amount of beef broth. The ribs should be mostly covered to ensure they cook evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the leftover cooking liquid in a saucepan after removing the ribs. This will concentrate the flavors and create a luscious sauce.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
- Pair it Right: Serve these delectable ribs with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 180mg
