Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner into a restaurant-quality masterpiece! These slow-cooked beef short ribs are the ultimate comfort food that promises to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds. Imagine tender, succulent meat that falls off the bone with minimal effort, infused with rich, deep flavors that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this foolproof recipe will elevate your cooking game and create a memorable dining experience that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate.
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 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove beef short ribs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
- Season short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs until they develop a deep golden-brown crust on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps develop rich flavor through caramelization.
- Transfer seared short ribs to a slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- In the same skillet used for searing, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours, or until meat is extremely tender and nearly falling off the bone.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove short ribs and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Strain and reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop to create a rich sauce for serving alongside the ribs.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your beef short ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Searing is Crucial: Don't skip the searing step! This technique locks in flavors and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds depth to your dish.
- Choose the Right Cut: Look for well-marbled short ribs with good fat content, which will ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Patience is key with this recipe. The 8-hour slow cooking process breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Wine Selection: Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for the best flavor profile. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
- Sauce Enhancement: For an extra luxurious touch, reduce the cooking liquid after removing the ribs to create a rich, concentrated sauce.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These short ribs actually taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh herb salad to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 706kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 58g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 160mg
