Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This BBQ short ribs recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot, is the answer to your culinary prayers. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. It's the perfect healthy meal, quick dinner idea, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly amazing dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs (Optional but Recommended):
For extra depth of flavor, start by searing the short ribs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a delicious char and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot:
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Short Ribs and Liquid:
Place the seared (or unseared) short ribs on top of the onions and garlic. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and oregano. Pour this mixture over the short ribs.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall apart with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Serve:
Once the short ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the crock pot. Let them rest for a few minutes before shredding the meat with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can either mix the shredded meat back into the sauce or serve it on the side. Serve your delicious BBQ short ribs on their own, over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for the Best BBQ Short Ribs:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in short ribs are generally preferred for their richer flavor and better texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Make sure your short ribs aren't overcrowded in the slow cooker. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming instead of braising.
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce for varying flavor profiles.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the shredded short ribs and simmer the cooking liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. You can add a cornstarch slurry to speed up this process.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for extra sweetness.
- Garlic Lover's Ribs: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. However, generally speaking, this recipe is a good source of protein and relatively high in fat. Be mindful of portion sizes.
This recipe is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy delicious, fall-apart BBQ short ribs. It’s a perfect easy recipe for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing dish for special occasions. Enjoy!