Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs braised in a rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness, making them the best ever. This american-inspired beef ready in about 505 minutes pairs (1.36kg) beef short ribs, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs (1.36kg) beef short ribs generously with salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the short ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, working in batches if necessary.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the seared ribs to a slow cooker and add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp molasses, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  4. Step 4: Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the ribs and strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding the solids.
  6. Step 6: Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until reduced by half and thickened to a glaze-like consistency.
  7. Step 7: Return the ribs to the slow cooker or serve with the sauce drizzled over top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1.36kg) beef short ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Ever Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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