Fall Off the Bone Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These fall off the bone slow cooker short ribs are rich, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting dinner, they require minimal prep and cook slowly to develop a deep, savory taste.

Ingredients

• 8-10 beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 large carrots, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on each side for 1-2 minutes until a golden brown crust forms. Remove from the skillet and place them in the slow cooker, then add the sliced carrots on top.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the short ribs and carrots in the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily fall off the bone.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, brown the short ribs in butter instead of olive oil.
• Add chopped onions or celery along with the carrots for additional flavor and texture.
• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Use a mixture of fresh herbs if you prefer over dried Italian seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover short ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. These ribs also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of short ribs?

Yes, beef chuck roast or beef brisket can be slow cooked similarly, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness and cut.

Do I need to brown the short ribs before slow cooking?

Browning the ribs adds a deeper flavor and a nice crust, but it is not strictly necessary if you’re short on time. The ribs will still be tender if cooked slowly without searing.

Fall Off the Bone Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

These fall-off-the-bone slow cooker short ribs are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Seared to a golden crust before slow cooking with carrots, garlic, and rich beef broth infused with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, this recipe results in melt-in-your-mouth meat perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 8–10 beef short ribs
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

• 5 large carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Season and Sear Short Ribs: Generously salt and pepper the beef short ribs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the short ribs on all sides, about 1-2 minutes each side, until a golden brown crust forms. Remove the ribs from the skillet and transfer them to the slow cooker. Place the sliced carrots on top of the ribs.
2. Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the ribs and carrots in the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook the Short Ribs: Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on low heat for 8-9 hours, or alternatively, cook on high heat for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Notes

• For best flavor, searing the ribs before slow cooking is essential to develop a rich crust and enhance taste.
• If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the ribs and carrots after cooking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop to reduce.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking if needed.
• You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried thyme and rosemary if preferred.

Keywords: slow cooker short ribs, beef short ribs recipe, fall off the bone ribs, easy slow cooker recipe, comforting beef dinner