Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of tender, succulent short ribs simmering in a rich red wine sauce. This Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Red Wine recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be the star of your next gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and generously season all sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps develop rich flavor through caramelization.
- Transfer the seared short ribs to the slow cooker insert.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic until they become slightly softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker around the short ribs.
- Pour the entire bottle of red wine and beef broth over the ribs and vegetables. Sprinkle dried thyme across the top.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the short ribs and strain the cooking liquid. If desired, reduce the liquid on the stovetop to create a richer sauce.
- Let the short ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, spoon the reduced sauce over the meat.
Tips
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the overall flavor through caramelization, giving your dish a deeper richness.
- Choose the Right Wine: Opt for a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking. The wine not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat during the long cooking process.
- Layering Ingredients: When adding the vegetables, place them around the ribs in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Be Patient: Allow the ribs to cook for the full 8 hours on low heat. This slow cooking method is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Sauce It Up: After cooking, consider straining and reducing the cooking liquid on the stovetop to create a rich sauce. This extra step can elevate your dish and impress your guests.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the short ribs rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 180mg
