The Perfect Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Tender and succulent slow cooker red wine braised short ribs promise a culinary adventure that will melt in your mouth.

Robust flavors develop gradually as meat slowly simmers in a rich, velvety sauce.

wine adds depth and complexity to this classic comfort dish.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this foolproof method for creating restaurant-quality meals.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment when you let your appliance do the hard work.

Earthy herbs and deep burgundy sauce create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these mouthwatering, fall-apart tender short ribs.

Everything You’ll Need for Braised Short Ribs

• Beef Short Ribs: Tender, flavorful meat perfect for slow cooking.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base.

• Beef Broth, Red Wine: Create rich braising liquid.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and complexity.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing meat flavor.
• Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Classic herbs for depth and aroma.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing meat and sautéing vegetables.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Braised Short Ribs Made Simple

Step 1: Prep the Meat

Season short ribs generously with salt and black pepper across every surface.

Massage the seasonings deeply into the meat to ensure full flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sear to Lock in Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.

Brown short ribs on all sides until a rich golden crust forms, creating deep caramelization.

This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer seared ribs directly into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build a Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.

Add these aromatic vegetables to the slow cooker with the short ribs.

Step 4: Create the Braising Liquid

• Beef broth
• Red wine
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended.

Pour this rich liquid mixture over the short ribs and vegetables.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 8-10 hours
• High setting: 4-6 hours

Cooking time ensures meat becomes incredibly tender and starts falling off the bone.

Step 6: Final Preparation

Carefully remove short ribs from slow cooker and place on a serving platter.

Skim excess fat from remaining cooking liquid.

Step 7: Optional Sauce Enhancement

Strain cooking liquid into a saucepan.

Simmer over medium heat until sauce reduces and thickens slightly.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Drizzle reduced sauce over short ribs.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 9: Pair and Enjoy

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or smooth polenta.

Perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a luxurious family meal.

Smart Tips for Braised Short Rib Success

• Generously season short ribs with salt and pepper before searing to create a delicious caramelized crust that locks in deep, rich flavors.
• Skim excess fat from cooking liquid after braising to create a lighter, cleaner sauce without losing the intense meaty taste.
• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the beef's robust flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours to ensure meat becomes incredibly tender, allowing connective tissues to break down slowly and create melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Reduce cooking liquid in a separate saucepan to concentrate flavors and create a more luxurious, silky sauce that elevates the entire dish.

Save & Reheat Short Ribs the Right Way

• Store short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place short ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Place short ribs in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles to ensure even warming.

Great Dishes to Serve with Short Ribs

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that matches the rich, deep flavors of the braised short ribs.
• Complement with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a luxurious side dish that absorbs the savory cooking liquid and provides a smooth, velvety contrast to the tender meat.
• Enhance with Roasted Root Vegetables: Add caramelized carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts to bring earthy sweetness and balanced texture to the hearty main course.
• Balance with Fresh Herb Gremolata: Sprinkle a bright, zesty topping of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic to cut through the richness and add a fresh, vibrant note to the dish.

Ways to Reinvent Braised Short Ribs

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Coat short ribs with a mixture of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley before searing for added aromatic flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix for a subtle heat kick that complements the rich meat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute root vegetables with low-carb options like turnips or radishes to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's hearty essence.

FAQs

• Why sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

Searing creates a delicious golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the meat’s taste. This process, called the Maillard reaction, develops rich, complex flavors that make the short ribs more delicious.

• Can I use a different type of wine?

Red wines like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or pinot noir work best. Avoid using sweet wines, as they can make the sauce too sugary. Choose a dry red wine that you’d also enjoy drinking for the most balanced flavor.

• How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?

The meat should be extremely tender and literally falling off the bone. When you gently pull with a fork, the meat should easily separate and have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This typically happens after 8-10 hours of slow cooking on low heat.

• Is it necessary to use all the herbs mentioned in the recipe?

While the combination of bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary creates a classic flavor profile, you can adjust based on what you have. If you’re missing one herb, don’t worry – the recipe will still taste delicious with the remaining herbs.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs – Why They Wow

• Red wine and herbs infuse the short ribs with deep, rich, mouthwatering taste sensations that transform simple meat into a gourmet experience.
• Slow cooker method eliminates complicated techniques, allowing even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality dishes with minimal active preparation time.
• This recipe delivers tender, succulent meat that impresses guests and satisfies everyone from picky eaters to serious food enthusiasts with its comforting, elegant profile.
• Adaptable to multiple occasions like family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special celebrations, these short ribs pair beautifully with various side dishes and accommodate different dietary preferences.

Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker red wine braised short ribs melt with rich, deep flavors that elevate comfort dining to gourmet heights. Tender meat falls apart effortlessly, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) beef short ribs (bone-in)

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Lavishly coat short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring complete coverage on all surfaces.
2. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and meticulously sear short ribs until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer seared ribs into slow cooker’s ceramic vessel.
4. Within the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, releasing aromatic flavors.
5. Cascade the caramelized vegetables over the waiting short ribs.
6. Craft a robust braising liquid by whisking beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce until seamlessly integrated.
7. Cascade the liquid mixture across the ribs and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Secure slow cooker lid and allow ribs to gently braise: 8-10 hours on low temperature or 4-6 hours on high temperature until meat tenderly separates from bone.
9. Delicately extract ribs from cooking liquid, positioning them on a serving platter.
10. Skim accumulated surface fat from remaining liquid, optionally reducing sauce in a separate saucepan until slightly thickened.
11. Present ribs adorned with reduced sauce, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbal complexity.
12. Accompany with complementary side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or silky polenta.

Notes

• Choose well-marbled, bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Searing the meat before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep, complex flavors.
• Use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the meat’s richness and create a robust sauce.
• Prep vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Remove excess fat from the cooking liquid to prevent a greasy sauce and maintain a clean, intense flavor profile.
• Allow the short ribs to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help the meat retain its juices and become more tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg