Slow cooker short ribs with red wine sauce served on a plate

Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

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A Hearty Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s rich, tender, and bursting with flavor, these Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce are sure to impress. The slow cooking process transforms tough cuts of beef into succulent masterpieces, making this one of my go-to recipes, especially during the colder months. Having made this dish countless times, I can assure you—it’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs creates a deep, complex flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  2. Hands-Off Cooking: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. It does all the hard work while you go about your day, making it perfect for busy schedules.
  3. Impressive Presentation: This dish is perfect for entertaining and will make you look like a culinary rockstar without demanding much effort.
  4. Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these short ribs fit the bill beautifully.
  5. Personally, I love this recipe because it fills the home with delicious aromas all day long, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 people
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Cooking Method: Slow Cook

You’ll be braising short ribs slowly to allow the meat to become incredibly tender while developing rich flavors.

My Experience Making This Recipe

Each time I make this recipe, I discover something new. During one attempt, I decided to sear the ribs longer before placing them in the slow cooker. The extra caramelization brought out even more flavor, and now I refuse to skip that step! I’ve faced issues with under-seasoning, which taught me to be generous with salt and herbs as they infuse the dish beautifully while cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

To start, season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish. Next, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker along with a mix of red wine, beef broth, onions, carrots, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cook on LOW for about 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly while the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the searing process. Browning the meat adds rich flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.
  2. Quality Wine: Use a good quality dry red wine; it doesn’t have to be expensive, but avoid cooking wines as they tend to be overly salty.
  3. Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the sauce towards the end of cooking. Don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, or even add a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors.
  4. Choose the Right Ribs: Look for well-marbled short ribs; the fat renders during cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful.
  5. Slow Cooker Size: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the short ribs comfortably, allowing some space for the liquid to circulate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Serve these short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or alongside a crusty baguette to soak up every drop of that luscious red wine sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is perfect for a Sunday family meal or served at a dinner party, where it’ll surely steal the spotlight on your table.

Storage and Reheating Guide

To store, let the short ribs cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture. The slow cooker can also be used on low for about 2 hours if frozen.

Recipe Variations

  1. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your red wine is gluten-free.
  2. Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but you can serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta if needed.
  3. Adding Vegetables: Add in root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra nutrition and flavor.
  4. Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, incorporate a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce into the braising liquid.

Nutritional Highlights

Short ribs provide a good source of protein and iron, essential for muscle health and energy production. Pairing them with vegetables like carrots and onions boosts the fiber content, making this dish a balanced choice when served with whole grains. Allergen information: Contains beef and may include gluten depending on the broth or wine used.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Meat Not Tender Enough: If your ribs aren’t tender after 8 hours, extend the cooking time. Tough cuts require ample time to break down connective tissues.
  2. Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce appears too watery, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to reduce it. You can also thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
  3. Flavor Lacking: If the flavor is off, it could be due to under-seasoning. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless short ribs?
Absolutely! Boneless short ribs can be used, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them starting around the 6-hour mark.

2. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance, store it in the fridge overnight, and simply start cooking in the morning.

3. What type of red wine should I use?
A dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, is ideal. Avoid sweet wines, as they will alter the dish’s balance.

4. Can I cook this on HIGH instead?
While you can cook these short ribs on HIGH for about 4-5 hours, I recommend the LOW setting for the best tenderness and flavor infusion. Slow cooking really makes a difference!

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Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

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  • Author: jurgentukur
  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: None
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Description

A hearty dish featuring tender short ribs braised in a rich red wine sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 4-6 beef short ribs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the ribs in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
  3. Transfer the ribs to a slow cooker.
  4. Add red wine, beef broth, onions, carrots, garlic, and fresh herbs to the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on LOW for about 8 hours until the meat is tender.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the searing step and use a good quality dry red wine.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cook
  • Cuisine: American

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