Crockpot Beef Short Ribs with Rich Gravy

Sharing is caring!

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to Crockpot Beef Short Ribs with Rich Gravy. Slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, these meaty short ribs are infused with deep flavors from beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic herbs. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables, this dish is a hearty and luxurious meal perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.

Using a slow cooker allows the short ribs to become incredibly tender while soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce, which transforms into a decadent gravy. The best part? Minimal hands-on effort is required! Just a few simple steps, and the slow cooker does all the work for you.

This guide will take you through the best way to make crockpot beef short ribs, including expert tips, storage solutions, and variations to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a special occasion or just craving a warm, satisfying meal, these slow-cooked short ribs will impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fall-Apart Tender Meat

Slow cooking ensures that the short ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the deep flavors of the sauce.

2. Rich, Flavorful Gravy

Made with beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, the cooking liquid reduces into an incredible, savory gravy.

3. Easy Hands-Off Cooking

Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, let it do all the work! Perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

These slow-cooked beef short ribs are perfect for meal prep, can be made ahead of time, and freeze well for future meals.

5. Pairs Well with Classic Sides

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Short Ribs:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 4 meaty beef short ribs
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 3/4 cups (640ml) beef stock (or water + 3 beef stock cubes)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)
• 5 tbsp cold water

To Serve:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed green vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan (or use the searing function on your slow cooker, if available).
2. Brown the short ribs on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes to develop a deep, rich color.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the seared short ribs, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the beef stock, tomato puree, thyme, sugar, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the slow cooker and transfer most of the cooking liquid to a saucepan.
2. Bring the liquid to a high heat until bubbling.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 5 tbsp cold water.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Place each short rib over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
2. Pour the rich gravy over the top.
3. Serve with steamed green vegetables and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

• Sear the short ribs – This step is crucial for building deep flavor.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – It adds umami depth and enhances the beefy taste.
• Thicken the gravy gradually – Add cornstarch mixture slowly to avoid lumps.
• Make ahead for better flavor – Short ribs taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What to Serve with Beef Short Ribs

Pairing the right side dishes with beef short ribs enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mashed Potatoes

A classic pairing, mashed potatoes provide the perfect creamy base for soaking up the rich gravy from the short ribs.

2. Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a hearty texture to complement the deep flavors of the short ribs.

3. Buttered Egg Noodles

For a lighter alternative, buttered egg noodles provide a simple, buttery contrast to the savory, tender beef.

4. Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus

A fresh, crisp side dish like green beans or asparagus adds vibrancy and balance to the richness of the short ribs.

5. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread

Serve a warm loaf of garlic bread or crusty artisan bread to soak up every drop of the delicious gravy.

6. Creamed Spinach

A creamy side dish that adds a rich, buttery complement to the short ribs without overpowering them.

7. Cauliflower Mash

For a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash delivers the same creamy texture with fewer carbs.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob

The sweetness and slight smokiness of grilled corn pairs beautifully with the savory richness of slow-cooked short ribs.

Choosing the right side dish depends on whether you want a classic, comforting meal or a lighter, more balanced plate. Either way, your crockpot beef short ribs will be the star of the show!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 320°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.

Freezing:

• Cool the short ribs and store them with the sauce in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This in the Oven?

Yes! Cook in a Dutch oven at 275°F (140°C) for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally and adding stock if needed.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Chuck roast or beef shank can be used, but short ribs offer the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Crockpot Beef Short Ribs with Rich Gravy are the epitome of comfort food. With fall-apart tender meat, a deep savory gravy, and a foolproof slow-cooking method, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s effortless to make yet impossibly delicious. Pin this recipe for later and share with friends!

Print