Emilie Meyer
Slow-cooking beef short ribs in a crock pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this cut of meat. Short ribs are a fatty, tough cut of meat, but when cooked slowly, the fat breaks down, infusing the meat with flavour and making it tender. Crock pots are a great way to achieve this, and the long cooking time means the meat will be fall-off-the-bone tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4-8 hours |
| Temperature | Low |
| Meat texture | Tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone |
| Meat type | Beef chuck short ribs |
| Meat weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, bay leaves, rosemary |
| Braising liquid | Beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce |
| Vegetables | Onion, celery, carrots |
| Side dishes | Mashed potatoes, rice, thick pasta, garlic mashed red potatoes, mashed cauliflower, buttered noodles, creamy polenta |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
Beef short ribs can be cooked in a crock pot on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The crock pot is set at a low temperature of around 200°F to 300°F. The long cooking time helps to infuse the flavour of the braising liquid into the meat.
The cooking time may vary depending on the crock pot and the cut of the ribs. For instance, chuck short ribs are leaner and may cook faster than plate short ribs, which are generally larger and have a higher fat content. If your crock pot runs hot, check the ribs after 4.5 hours.
To brown the ribs before adding them to the crock pot, heat a skillet on medium-high heat and sear the ribs for about 5 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly browned. This adds flavour to the ribs and also reduces the cooking time by at least an hour.
The braising liquid is added to the crock pot along with the ribs. The liquid is made by sautéing onions and garlic, to which beef broth or stock, red wine, tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaves are added. The liquid is then brought to a simmer before being poured into the crock pot.
The ribs are cooked until the meat is tender and can be cut with a fork.
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Choosing the right cut of beef short ribs
Beef short ribs are a fatty cut of meat, and they tend to be a bit tough. However, this fat is what gives the ribs their rich flavour. When cooked slowly, the fat breaks down, making the meat tender and juicy.
When choosing beef short ribs, you will come across two primary types: Chuck Short Ribs and Plate Short Ribs. Chuck Short Ribs are cut from the shoulder area and are known for their meaty texture. They are leaner but are packed with beefy flavours. When selecting chuck ribs, choose pieces with a good amount of meat on the bones and visible marbling. This fat contributes to the tenderness and flavour during slow cooking.
Plate Short Ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the lower rib area, closer to the belly of the cow. They are generally more marbled than chuck ribs, resulting in a richer flavour and a more tender texture when cooked. Plate short ribs are typically larger, with a higher fat content, which is ideal for slow cooking as it renders down, infusing the meat with flavour.
When choosing beef short ribs, regardless of the cut, always look for ribs with a deep red colour and consistent marbling. Avoid ribs that have a lot of surface fat or are discoloured.
If you prefer grass-fed beef, you can use that here, but keep in mind that grass-fed beef cooks faster, so you should check on it about an hour earlier.
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Preparing the crock pot
After searing the ribs, it's time to prepare the braising liquid. Start by finely dicing an onion, 8 celery ribs, and 3 medium carrots. You can also add garlic to the mix. Heat some oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped vegetables. Cook the vegetables for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. If you're using garlic, add it to the skillet about a minute before the vegetables are done.
Once the vegetables are softened, it's time to deglaze the skillet. Add your choice of red wine—such as Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon—and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add additional ingredients like balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, beef broth, rosemary, and bay leaves. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes before pouring it into the crock pot.
Place the seared short ribs into the crock pot, ensuring they are nestled into the liquid and vegetables. It's okay if the ribs aren't completely submerged. Add a sprig of rosemary on top of the meat and put the lid on the crock pot. Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
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Creating a braising liquid
Start with a base of sautéed onions and garlic: Sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet with a little oil is a great way to build flavour in your braising liquid. Cook the onions and garlic until they are softened and slightly browned, releasing their aromatic compounds and creating a flavourful base.
Add beef broth: Beef broth or beef stock is an essential component of the braising liquid. It adds depth of flavour and richness to the dish. You can adjust the amount of beef broth used according to your preference for a juicier or drier final product.
Include red wine: Red wine is a key ingredient in the braising liquid for beef short ribs. It provides acidity, which helps to balance the dish and tenderize the meat. Choose a dry red wine such as Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tomato paste: Tomato paste, also known as tomato puree, adds a rich, savoury flavour to the braising liquid. It enhances the umami taste and gives the dish a beautiful deep colour.
Aromatic herbs and spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices to elevate your braising liquid. Fresh or dried rosemary is a popular choice, adding a lovely aromatic note to the dish. You can also try dried thyme, bay leaves, or even a sprig of fresh rosemary. These herbs complement the other ingredients and add depth to the flavour profile.
Other ingredients: Depending on your taste preferences, you can include other ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or a hint of honey. These ingredients can enhance the savoury notes and create a more complex flavour profile.
Remember, the braising liquid should be well-balanced, flavourful, and have enough acidity to help tenderize the meat. Adjust the ingredients to your taste and feel free to experiment to create your perfect crockpot beef short ribs!
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked beef short ribs are a hearty and savory dish, perfect for a winter meal. The meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce is full of flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the beef short ribs and make a delicious meal:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for beef short ribs. The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the tender, juicy meat. You can serve the ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes, with the gravy drizzled on top. For a more colorful and flavorful dish, you can also add some green vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
Rice
Rice is another great option to soak up the delicious sauce from the beef short ribs. You can serve the ribs on a bed of rice pilaf, which has a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Alternatively, sweet potato rice is another tasty option to pair with the ribs, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Pasta
Thick pasta, such as pappardelle, is a suitable pairing with the beef short ribs. The hearty meat and rich sauce will coat the pasta, creating a satisfying and indulgent dish.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Red Potatoes
For a lower-carb option, cauliflower mashed potatoes are a tasty alternative to regular mashed potatoes. They have a similar creamy texture but with a milder flavor. Garlic mashed red potatoes are another flavorful option, adding a punch of garlic to the meal.
Vegetables
The beef short ribs go well with a variety of vegetables. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts with candied pecans and ricotta salata are all delicious sides. You can also serve the ribs with softened vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and carrots, cooked in the crockpot alongside the meat.
Gravy
The braising liquid used to cook the beef short ribs can be turned into a rich, flavorful gravy. Simply ladle the cooking liquid into a pan, bring it to a boil, and then simmer until it thickens. This gravy can be served on the side or drizzled over the meat and any accompanying sides.
Salad
A fresh salad can also be served as a side dish to add a pop of color and a crisp, refreshing element to the meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook beef short ribs in a crock pot.
It takes between 4.5 to 8 hours to cook beef short ribs in a crock pot. The time depends on the crock pot and the desired texture of the ribs.
The ingredients needed are beef short ribs, beef broth, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, rosemary, bay leaves, red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
