Craving a melt-in-your-mouth, unbelievably tender meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further! This slow cooker barbecue beef short ribs recipe is your answer. Imagine tender, juicy short ribs, falling off the bone, smothered in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, impressing everyone with minimal effort. It's a delicious dish that's both a healthy meal and a quick dinner idea, making it a winner in our book! Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the short ribs: This step isn't strictly necessary, but searing the short ribs adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps develop a richer flavor in your final dish.
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Layer in the slow cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seared short ribs on top.
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Combine the liquids: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour this mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
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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 off the bone. You'll know they're ready when you can easily shred them with a fork.
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Shred and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs from the slow cooker. Let them rest for a few minutes before shredding the meat with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your slow cooker barbecue beef short ribs on their own, over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside your favorite sides. A simple coleslaw or some crusty bread would be delicious accompaniments.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in short ribs are preferred for this recipe as the bone adds incredible flavor to the meat during the long cooking process.
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the liquid to circulate around the short ribs for even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to your liking. A dash of cayenne pepper could add a nice kick!
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker barbecue sauce, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water and whisk it into the sauce at the end.
Variations:
- Spicy Short Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Sweet and Smoky: Use a sweeter barbecue sauce, or add a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Different Cuts: While short ribs are ideal, you could experiment with other beef cuts like chuck roast or brisket, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. The result is a tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's one of the best recipes for a heartwarming and delicious dinner. Enjoy!