Slow Cooker Bourbon Beef Short Ribs

This Slow Cooker Bourbon Beef Short Ribs recipe delivers a dish of succulent, tender short ribs infused with flavor. Best of all the crockpot allows you to set it and forget it as the beef short ribs simmer to perfection for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Serve this succulent bourbon short ribs with a side of rice or mashed cauliflower. You can serve the meat and sauce on top of this corn risotto or creamy polenta and don’t forget to serve with crusty bread to help soak up all the yummy goodness of this meal.

This crockpot recipe lets you enjoy the rich flavors of bourbon-infused beef short ribs with minimal effort. Crockpots or slow cookers are great to have on hand especially when it comes to cooking ribs. Short ribs have the best taste and texture when they are cooked at a low temperature over several hours which is where the slow cooker comes in handy. If your slow cooker can also sear and saute you’ve got a one-pot meal that’s absolutely loaded with flavor.

Why add bourbon when you cook?

If you’ve never added bourbon to your meat dishes you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that not only does it add a deep flavor it also helps tenderize the meat. If you love the melt-in-your-texture of these bourbon braised beef short ribs you should consider using bourbon in your cooking more often.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe

Tender: This recipe for slow cooker short ribs delivers soft, tender, and mouthwatering ribs.

Hands off time: After you get the browning and sauteeing done, it’s completely hands off.

Make ahead option: Sometimes you need to have a recipe that will still taste great a few days later.

Flavorful: The combination of seasonings in this bourbon short ribs recipe creates an extremely flavorful dish.

One pot: All the searing, simmering and cooking is done in one pot making for an easy cleanup.

Ingredients For Making Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

• Beef short ribs – Use bone-in beef short ribs.
• Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is best but any kind will work.
• Sea salt and pepper -Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Onion – Any type of onion, diced is good.
• Carrots – Carrots, cubed, give some texture and color to the ribs.
• Celery stalks -Celery, chopped, also adds flavor and texture to these crockpot ribs.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is best but jarred also works.
• Red wine vinegar – Red wine vinegar adds some acidity and sweetness to these bourbon braised short ribs.
• Coconut aminos – Coconut aminos add more flavor and are a good substitute for soy sauce.
• Bourbon – Any kind of bourbon is good.
• Tomato paste – Tomato paste helps thicken up the gravy and adds flavor.
• Beef broth – Use low sodium beef broth so you can adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
• Fresh thyme – Fresh thyme adds flavor and some color.
• All-purpose flour –  Flour thickens up the sauce. Use any gluten-free flour on a 1-1 basis if you are looking for a gluten-free meal.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Season the ribs with salt and pepper on all sides and set aside.

Step 2: Select the brown/ sauté mode on your slow cooker and set the temperature to 400F degrees. Add oil and then add in the beef short ribs (see notes).

Step 3: Brown the ribs on all sides. Work in batches if you need to but do not overcrowd the slow cooker. Remove the ribs and transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Using the oil and browned bits left in the slow cooker, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.

Step 5: Stir in red wine vinegar, coconut aminos, and bourbon and allow the liquid to reduce by half.

Step 6: Whisk in the tomato paste and flour until mixture has thickened.

Step 7: Stir in the broth and whisk to combine. Turn off sauté mode.

Step 8: Transfer the beef ribs back to the slow cooker and top with fresh thyme. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

Tips and Variations Of Beef Short Ribs

Instead of bourbon. If you would prefer to make alcohol free ribs you can substitute apple juice, grape juice or orange juice.

Don’t forgo the searing. Searing the meat helps create a crisp exterior and locks in the flavors of these braised beef short ribs.

Change up the veggies. If you don’t have any carrots or celery on hand, use parsnips, potatoes, celery root or anything else you have in your produce drawer.

FAQs

Make Ahead And Storage

Make ahead: If you like to meal prep this beef short ribs recipe is a great option. Set it up while you prepare the rest of the meals on your list and it’ll be ready for the fridge by the time you’re done.

Storage: Store these slow cooker beef short ribs in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Looking for more mouthwatering rib recipes?

• Balsamic Braised Short Ribs
• Air Fryer Ribs
• Instant Pot Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta
• Instant Pot Spare Ribs