Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

Discover tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce made easy, perfect for a cozy, delicious meal anytime. This recipe combines melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs simmered slowly until they soak up a rich and luscious red wine sauce, offering a comforting and impressive dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly homemade. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a relaxing weekend treat, these slow cooker short ribs deliver intense flavor with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just a few prep steps and your slow cooker does the rest, making it ideal for busy days.
• Rich, Deep Flavor: Slow simmering infuses every bite with the complex notes of red wine and herbs.
• Perfectly Tender Meat: The slow cooking breaks down connective tissues, producing fall-off-the-bone short ribs.
• Versatile Meal: This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, easily fitting any dinner style.
• Impresses Guests: Despite the simplicity, it’s a gourmet-quality recipe that looks and tastes incredible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique note to the dish’s harmonious flavor, rich texture, and appealing appearance.

• Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish, providing rich, marbled meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
• Red Wine: Adds a robust, fruity depth and helps tenderize the ribs during cooking.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meat’s flavor while keeping the sauce savory and rich.
• Onions and Garlic: Build layers of aromatic and savory notes foundational to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and balances the flavors, giving the sauce a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): Introduce herbal brightness that complements the meat’s richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the ribs for a caramelized crust and deeper flavor before slow cooking.

Variations for Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

Feel free to customize the Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or available ingredients. It’s simple to tweak but always rewarding.

• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to the sauce for a smoky heat.
• Mushroom Addition: Toss in sliced mushrooms to absorb the sauce and add an earthy layer.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to make it heart-healthier.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure tomato paste and broth are gluten-free; thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
• Herb Variations: Swap thyme and rosemary for oregano or bay leaves for a different herbal profile.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Ribs

Start by patting the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Generously season each piece with salt and pepper on all sides to build flavor from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each short rib on all sides until a deep caramelized crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds essential flavor and texture.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop a rich base.

Step 4: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in a generous amount of red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Place the seared short ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the wine and onion mixture over them, then add beef broth and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is falling-off-the-bone tender and infused with deep flavor.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Once cooked, remove ribs and strain the sauce if desired. Skim off excess fat and reduce the sauce on the stovetop to thicken slightly for a luscious finish.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

• Choose Well-Marbled Ribs: More marbling means juicier, richer meat after slow cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning adds a deep, savory note you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
• Use a Bold Red Wine: A dry, full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best for richness.
• Low and Slow is Key: Cooking gently over hours ensures perfectly tender meat without toughness.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the ribs sit for at least 10 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped thyme brightens up the dish while adding a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Also, a little grated lemon zest can elevate the aroma and presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these lavish ribs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or garlic roasted vegetables to soak up the luscious red wine sauce perfectly. For lighter sides, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, plate the short ribs over a bed of creamy risotto or wild rice pilaf, drizzle the sauce artistically, and add a few roasted pearl onions or glazed carrots for color and texture contrast. Using rustic wooden boards or elegant white plates can also make a difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after a day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully; place ribs and sauce together in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. You can add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While short ribs are ideal for their marbling and tenderness, you can try chuck roast or beef brisket; however, adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.

What type of red wine is best for the sauce?

Choose a dry, robust wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz to complement the beef without overpowering the sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use the pressure cooker function to speed up the cooking process, usually cooking the ribs under high pressure for about 45-50 minutes.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

After slow cooking, remove ribs and reduce the sauce on the stovetop until slightly thickened or stir in a little cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency.

Is it necessary to sear the ribs first?

Searing enhances flavor and color but if you’re short on time, you can skip it; the ribs will still be tender but less caramelized.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of those rich, tender Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce after a long day. This recipe balances ease with elegance, making it a perfect go-to for a special yet fuss-free meal. Gather your ingredients, start your slow cooker, and get ready to savor every delicious bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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