11 Tender Short Ribs Recipes for Slow Cooking

There’s something magical about the low-and-slow alchemy of short ribs. I still remember Sunday dinners at my grandparents’ house, where the air filled with the rich, savory aroma of beef short ribs simmering in a heavy pot on the stove. My grandpa, a master of patience in the kitchen, taught me that the key to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is time—letting the meat break down until it falls off the bone. Those memories fuel my love for slow cooking today.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with my slow cooker during hectic workweeks, turning tough cuts like short ribs into effortless weeknight wins. With rising food costs and a craving for comforting, hearty meals, slow-cooked short ribs are a game-changer—they’re affordable, forgiving for beginners, and deliver restaurant-quality results without constant babysitting.

Classic Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Gather 4 lbs bone-in short ribs, 2 cups red wine, 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion (sliced), 4 carrots (chopped), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp tomato paste, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Season ribs and sear in a hot Dutch oven, then add veggies, garlic, paste, wine, and broth. Cover and braise at 300°F for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

This timeless recipe yields juicy, flavorful ribs with a silky sauce perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes. The slow braise breaks down connective tissues for ultimate tenderness, while red wine adds depth and antioxidants—ideal for a cozy family dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.

Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Short Ribs

You’ll need 4 lbs short ribs, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 4 garlic cloves (grated), 2-inch ginger (grated), 2 star anise, sesame oil, and green onions for garnish. Place everything in a slow cooker, set to low for 8 hours, then shred or serve whole.

Infused with umami from soy and warm spice from ginger, these ribs offer a sweet-savory balance that’s sticky and addictive. Slow cooking maximizes flavor penetration, making the meat exceptionally tender; it’s a healthier twist on takeout with probiotics from ginger for digestion.

Smoky BBQ Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cups BBQ sauce, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 onion (sliced), 4 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Layer in slow cooker, cook on low 8-10 hours, then sauce and broil for crisp edges.

These ribs capture backyard BBQ vibes indoors, with tangy, smoky notes that pull apart effortlessly. The slow cooker method locks in moisture for superior tenderness compared to grilling, plus it’s low-effort—perfect for game day or potlucks, boosting collagen for joint health.

Mexican Chili Chocolate Short Ribs

Use 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 dried ancho chiles (toasted), 2 oz dark chocolate, 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, and cilantro. Blend chiles with broth, add all to Dutch oven or slow cooker, simmer low 4-6 hours.

Rich and earthy with a hint of mole-like chocolate, this fusion delivers bold, warming flavors. Slow cooking tenderizes the meat while melding spices for complexity; chocolate adds antioxidants and depth, making it a nourishing winter dish that’s gluten-free and keto-friendly.

Italian Short Rib Ragu

Prep 4 lbs short ribs, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup red wine, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks (all diced), 4 garlic cloves, rosemary, and Parmesan. Sear ribs, sauté veggies, deglaze with wine, add tomatoes, then slow cook covered at 275°F for 4 hours; shred for pasta sauce.

Transform short ribs into a hearty ragu that’s better than Nonna’s—the slow simmer concentrates flavors into a velvety sauce clinging to pappardelle. It maximizes nutrient extraction from bones for bone broth benefits, offering comfort food with lycopene from tomatoes for heart health.

Korean Kalbi-Style Slow Short Ribs

Ingredients include 4 lbs flanken-cut short ribs, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sesame oil, 1/4 cup pear juice (or apple), 4 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp gochujang, ginger, and sesame seeds. Marinate overnight, then slow cooker on low 6-8 hours.

These ribs boast caramelized, galbi-inspired sweetness with a spicy kick, falling off the bone after slow cooking. The marinade tenderizes naturally with fruit enzymes, providing probiotics and anti-inflammatory ginger—great for meal prep bowls over rice.

Garlic Herb Butter Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Need 4 lbs short ribs, 1 stick butter (softened), 1 head garlic (roasted), fresh rosemary/thyme, 2 cups broth, salt, and pepper. Rub ribs with herb butter, add to slow cooker with garlic/broth, low 8 hours.

Buttery, aromatic bliss—the slow melt infuses every bite with herbaceous garlic flavor. This method ensures supreme tenderness without drying out, rich in healthy fats from butter for satiety and immunity-boosting garlic compounds.

Stout Beer Braised Short Ribs

Combine 4 lbs short ribs, 2 bottles stout beer, 2 cups broth, 2 onions, 4 carrots, 3 garlic cloves, bay leaves, and mustard. Sear, add to Dutch oven, braise low 3-4 hours.

Malty stout creates a robust, beefy gravy that elevates short ribs to pub fare. Slow braising extracts gelatin for silky texture; beer’s hops aid digestion, and it’s packed with B vitamins for energy.

Moroccan Spiced Short Rib Tagine

Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cups broth, 1 cup dried apricots, 2 onions, ras el hanout spice, garlic, cinnamon, almonds. Slow cook low 8 hours in cooker or tagine pot.

Exotic spices and sweet apricots yield tender, fragrant ribs with North African flair. Slow cooking blends flavors harmoniously; apricots add fiber and the spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits for gut health.

Honey Mustard Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

Mix 4 lbs short ribs, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, thyme. Coat and slow cook low 8 hours, baste midway.

Sweet-tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully, with mustard cutting richness for balanced tenderness. Honey provides natural sweetness and antibacterial properties, making this family-friendly and blood-sugar stabilizing.

Root Vegetable Short Rib Stew

Use 4 lbs short ribs, 4 potatoes, 4 carrots, 2 parsnips, 1 onion, 4 cups broth, garlic, thyme, bay leaf. Layer in slow cooker, low 8-10 hours.

A one-pot wonder where ribs stew with roots for hearty comfort. Slow cooking tenderizes meat and softens veggies perfectly; it’s nutrient-dense with vitamins from roots, ideal for cold days and immune support.

Whether you’re channeling family traditions or simplifying busy nights, these 11 short ribs recipes prove slow cooking is your secret weapon for tenderness and flavor. Fire up your slow cooker or oven, grab some ribs, and treat yourself—your taste buds (and fork) will thank you!