Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs is both delicious and easy to make!
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, succulent ribs bathed in a rich and flavorful sauce.
Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while dinner cooks itself.
You’ll absolutely love how the aroma fills your home as the ribs simmer away, and the anticipation of enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal at the end of the day.
Serve these short ribs to impress your family and friends with minimal effort, and savor every bite of this comforting and indulgent dish.
Here’s what you’ll love about this recipe:
Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs creates a deeply flavorful braising liquid that infuses the short ribs with rich, complex taste.
Tender Texture: Slow cooking the short ribs low and slow in the braising liquid results in meat that is incredibly tender and falls off the bone, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Minimal Effort: With just a few simple steps of searing the ribs and sautéing the vegetables before letting the slow cooker do the rest of the work, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to go about your day while dinner cooks.
Versatility: These short ribs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, from creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, making them suitable for any occasion.
Impressive Presentation: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, serving these succulent short ribs with their rich sauce is sure to impress your guests and elevate any dining experience.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Here are some serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Creamy Polenta: Accompany the short ribs with creamy polenta for a comforting and hearty meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the short ribs with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Crusty Bread: Serve crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Steamed Green Beans: Steam green beans until tender-crisp and serve them as a vibrant and healthy side dish.
Herbed Rice: Serve the short ribs with herbed rice for a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment.
Side Salad: Serve a simple side salad of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing to add freshness and balance to the meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the short ribs with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
Red Wine Pairing: Pair the short ribs with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe for a perfectly matched meal.
Crispy Onion Rings: Top the short ribs with crispy onion rings for added texture and flavor.
These serving suggestions will complement the rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and create a memorable dining experience.
Feel free to mix and match sides according to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs turn out perfectly:
Choose the Right Cut: Opt for well-marbled beef short ribs for the most flavorful and tender results. Look for ribs that are evenly sized and have a good amount of fat, as this will help keep them moist during the long cooking process.
Sear the Ribs: Searing the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor and helps to lock in juices. Make sure the skillet is hot enough to create a nice sear on all sides of the ribs.
Deglaze the Pan: After searing the short ribs, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or beef broth to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the braising liquid.
Layer Flavors: Layering flavors is key to building complexity in the dish. Add aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker along with herbs and spices for a rich and aromatic sauce.
Use Red Wine: Choose a good-quality red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for braising the short ribs. The wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
Low and Slow: Cooking the short ribs on low heat for a longer period of time allows the meat to become tender and fall-off-the-bone. Avoid cooking on high heat, as this can result in tough meat.
Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker: Leave some space at the top of the slow cooker to allow for proper circulation of heat and prevent overflow during cooking.
Skim Fat: After cooking, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid for a lighter sauce.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the short ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the braising liquid before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to balance the flavors.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to create tender, flavorful, and delicious Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs that are sure to impress!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze leftover braised short ribs?
Yes, you can freeze leftover braised short ribs for later. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and keep them warm while you simmer the cooking liquid in a saucepan on the stove. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless short ribs if you prefer. However, bone-in short ribs tend to have more flavor and become more tender during the slow cooking process.
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef short ribs bone-in
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Season the short ribs generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared short ribs to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker with the short ribs.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour the mixture over the short ribs and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Once the short ribs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, you can strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces and thickens slightly.
- Serve the braised short ribs with the reduced cooking liquid spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or creamy polenta.