Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are the kind of dish that makes you want to throw a party just so you can show them off. Imagine tender, succulent meat bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that tantalizes your taste buds and fills your home with an aroma so divine it practically begs you to take a nap right there on the kitchen floor. These short ribs are not just any old dinner; they are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
Now picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, the rain is pattering against the windows, and you’re hunkered down in your cozy kitchen with nothing but your favorite playlist and a glass of red wine at your side. You toss those short ribs into the slow cooker, add some herbs and veggies, and let it do its magic. Chicken Gnocchi Soup By dinnertime, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef without having to wear anything fancier than your pajamas. Trust me; this is comfort food at its finest.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs require minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff, making dinner feel like a celebration.
- The deep flavors from red wine meld beautifully with the tender meat, creating an unforgettable meal.
- The visual appeal of these glossy ribs served over creamy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food heaven.
- Versatile enough for weeknights or special occasions, they can impress any guest or satisfy your weekday cravings!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled short ribs for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness; bone-in works best for flavor.
- Red Wine: A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the richness; avoid anything labeled “cooking wine.”
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to maintain control over saltiness in the final dish.
- Onions: Yellow onions add sweetness and depth; slice them thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Carrots: Freshly chopped carrots bring not only sweetness but also color to this hearty meal.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic goodness; fresh cloves are always better than pre-minced.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves provide an earthy note that complements the richness of the beef.
For the Sauce:
- Tomato Paste: This thick paste adds depth and richness to the sauce without overwhelming other flavors.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances out acidity from tomatoes and red wine for perfect harmony.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Bison Stew Recipe.

How to Make Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients together on the counter. This makes cooking much easier and more enjoyable. Chop your onions, carrots, and mince your garlic while sipping on that glass of red wine—it’s called multitasking!
Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil and sear each side of the short ribs until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step locks in flavor and creates beautiful color on those delicious ribs.
Step 3: Layer Your Vegetables
Now it’s time to layer! Place sliced onions and chopped carrots at the bottom of your slow cooker. They will act as a flavorful bed for our glorious ribs.
Step 4: Add Everything to Slow Cooker
Place those seared short ribs on top of the vegetables. In a mixing bowl, combine red wine, beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture all over everything in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Set It and Forget It
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat for about seven hours or high heat for about four hours. Go ahead—take that nap I mentioned earlier or binge-watch your favorite show!
Step 6: Serve with Style
Once cooked to perfection (the meat should fall off the bone), carefully transfer those succulent short ribs onto plates or bowls. Drizzle with sauce from the slow cooker for that extra touch of fancy before digging in.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every tender bite as you revel in your culinary triumph!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food.
- With rich flavors and tender meat, they transform any dinner into a special occasion.
- Plus, with minimal effort, you can impress your guests and satisfy your cravings all at once!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, sear the short ribs in a hot pan to lock in flavor. While they’re sizzling, chop your veggies and get the aromatics ready. Then, let the slow cooker do its magic while you kick back and relax.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out red wine for a robust broth or add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor punch. You could even throw in some root vegetables for added nutrition and color!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm them on the stove or microwave until heated through, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Sharing my first experience making Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs brings a smile to my face. My friends devoured them, asking if I was secretly a gourmet chef! It felt amazing to impress everyone with such ease. For more inspiration, check out this flavorful chicken burrito bowls recipe.
FAQs
What are Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are a delicious dish made from tender beef short ribs slowly cooked in a rich red wine sauce. This method allows the meat to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors from the wine, herbs, and vegetables. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff The slow cooking process enhances the taste, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly nights or special occasions. Pair these short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce for a complete meal.
How long do I need to cook Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?
Cooking Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 4 to 5 hours on high heat in your slow cooker. This low-and-slow approach ensures that the ribs become tender and flavorful as they braise in the wine and spices. Make sure to check the meat’s doneness towards the end of the cooking time; it should easily pull away from the bone when done.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs?
You can serve slow cooker pot roast recipe-for-comfort-food/”>Slow Cooker Pot Roast For an elegant touch, consider serving them alongside garlic bread or buttery noodles for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs ahead of time and store them in your refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. After cooking, let the ribs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on low heat in your slow cooker or stovetop until warmed through for a convenient and delicious meal.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
In summary, Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs offer a delectable blend of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process transforms tough meat into tender bites bursting with rich taste. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is an excellent choice for busy cooks looking for comfort food that impresses guests. Enjoy these short ribs with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, featuring succulent, tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic and thyme, this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will warm your soul. Perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, these short ribs transform any meal into a gourmet experience without the fuss. Ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in short ribs
- 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions
- 1. Sear the short ribs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear each side of the short ribs until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from heat.
- 2. Prepare the slow cooker: Layer sliced onions and chopped carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- 3. Combine ingredients: Place seared short ribs on top of the vegetables. In a bowl, whisk together red wine, beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the short ribs.
- 4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- 5. Serve: Carefully transfer short ribs to plates or bowls and drizzle with sauce from the slow cooker before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, try using rosemary or adding root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.




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