This Crockpot Red Wine Braised Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone beef infused with a rich, flavorful sauce made with red wine, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these short ribs are ideal for pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Using a slow cooker ensures the beef is cooked to perfection with minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family meal or hosting guests, this recipe guarantees a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

3.5-4 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bottle dry red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (see note)
Pepper, to taste
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Short Ribs
Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear half the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side until well-browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining ribs. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
Cook the Aromatics
Add the carrots and onions to the skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the Braising Liquid
Pour in the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine. Arrange the short ribs in the Crockpot in as even a layer as possible. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
Thicken the Sauce
Once cooked, skim off the fat from the surface using a spoon. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir into the Crockpot. Set the heat to high and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on cooking, this recipe lets the Crockpot do all the hard work.
Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine, herbs, and aromatics creates a deeply flavorful and tender dish.
Versatile Pairings: Perfectly complements mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

Tips

Select Quality Wine: Use a wine you would drink, as its flavor greatly influences the dish.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the short ribs enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Strain the Sauce: For a smoother sauce, strain it before serving if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Options: Substitute short ribs with beef chuck or lamb shanks for a different twist.
Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat or use smoked salt for added depth.
Vegetables: Include celery or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, but bone-in ribs provide more flavor during the cooking process.

What’s the best red wine to use?
Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for robust flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen after a day, making this dish ideal for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta for a comforting meal.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Add crusty bread for soaking up the rich sauce.

This Crockpot Red Wine Braised Short Ribs recipe is a foolproof way to create a deliciously tender and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.