Should you sear short ribs before slow cooking?

In general, it’s always good to quickly sear meat before baking or braising. The caramelization adds another dimension to the flavor. With crockpot cooking, it’s not required and if you’re short on time, you can cook the ribs in the sauce without searing first. (Mom never seared the ribs when making this recipe.) However, if you’re cooking ground meat, then always cook it first and drain off the grease before adding to the slow cooker.

Can you slow cook short ribs too long?

Slow cooking is more forgiving than traditional braising in an oven, so it’s difficult to overcook short ribs using this method. The longer the ribs cook, the more tender they become. At some point, they can become a bit mushy, but I’ve pushed the cooking time to 8 hours (on low) and they were still perfect!

Can this recipe be made with boneless short ribs?

Yes, you can make this dish with boneless short ribs - I’ve made it both ways. The bones do add another dimension to the flavor.

What to serve with Crock Pot Short Ribs?

My favorite side to serve with these Slow Cooker Short Ribs is our Creamy Parmesan Polenta (in my first cookbook “A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®”). They’re also delicious with Mashed Potatoes with Parsley and Chives , cooked egg noodles, other heftier pastas like pappardelle, or roasted or boiled potatoes.

How many hours does it take to cook ribs in a crock pot?

It will take around 4 to 6 hours to cook beef ribs in a crock pot. You can push the cook time up to 8 hours and they will just be even more tender.

Should ribs be submerged in slow cooker?

No, it’s not necessary for ribs to be completely submerged in a sauce. A sauce definitely should be included, however, for flavor and for the cooker to work properly.

What is the difference between beef ribs and beef short ribs?

Short ribs are a type of beef rib. There are also back ribs, which tend to have less meat and less fat but are more tender.

Why are my short ribs not tender in slow cooker?

Your ribs will be tough either because you didn’t cook them long enough, or you cooked them too long at a high setting. If the latter, they will also be dried out.

How do I make my beef short ribs tender?

For tender beef short ribs, cook them "slow and low." A slow cooker (Crock Pot) is ideal for this method. An alternative is to braise the ribs - sear them over high heat, then cook with liquid and seasonings over low heat for 2 to 3 hours or until fork tender.

Crock Pot Beef Short Ribs - A Well Seasoned Kitchen

Ingredients

Scale

(See gluten-free adaptation in Notes section below.)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
3 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
Fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable, canola or other non-flavored oil

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Instructions

Make rib sauce: Whisk together the onion, garlic, catsup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and 1/2 cup water. Set aside.
Sear ribs: If needed, cut the ribs into individual pieces (one bone per piece). Season ribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ribs, meat side down, and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining sides for around 1 minute per side. Place in slow cooker, in one layer to the extent possible.
Cook: Spoon or pour prepared onion mixture over top of the ribs, covering ribs completely. Place cover on cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Serve: Depending on the fattiness of your beef, you may need to spoon off some grease before serving. When serving, spoon sauce over ribs; pass any remaining sauce on the side.

Notes

Gluten free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Make ahead: Cool, put in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature; place in a large sauce pan or dutch oven. Heat over medium heat until heated through, around 15 to 20 minutes.

Author: From "A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®" by Sally Clayton and Lee Clayton Roper
Category: Main dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Comfort food