Looking for an easy yet impressive dinner? This short recipe is so simple and delicious! Just set it and forget it in your slow cooker. Would be great for a dinner party or weeknight dinner. My entire family loved it!
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package of baby carrots
- 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- Begin by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will help develop a flavorful crust during searing.
- Sear the Short Ribs: In a large skillet or on sauté mode in your slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them until they’re browned on all sides. This step is essential for building flavor. Transfer the seared short ribs to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet or on sauté mode in your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic and carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the red wine into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly.
- Add the brown sugar, beef broth, and thyme. Stir everything to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking time will allow the short ribs to become tender and flavorful.
- Once the short ribs are fork-tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful, it’s time to serve.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before the cooking time is done, you can mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with some water to create a smooth paste. Stir this paste into the slow cooker, and it will help thicken the sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or cauliflower. Bon appetit!