Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooked Healthy Beef Ribs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Beef short ribs (bone-in, well-trimmed fat) - choose ribs with a good amount of meat but not excessive surface fat for healthiness1.2 kg
- Low sodium beef broth - pick a brand with low salt to keep sodium intake in check250 ml
- Onion (medium, chopped) - choose firm, fresh onions without soft spots1 piece
- Garlic cloves (minced) - fresh garlic cloves are preferable for best aroma and flavor4 pieces
- Carrots (peeled and sliced) - fresh and firm carrots will add a nice natural sweetness2 pieces
- Celery stalks (sliced) - fresh celery adds good aroma and fiber2 pieces
- Tomato paste (no added sugar) - check ingredient list for purity2 tbsp
- Dried thyme - a pinch of aromatic herb to enhance flavor1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground) - to tasteto taste n/a
- Salt (preferably sea salt) - minimal amount, to tasteto taste n/a
- Olive oil (extra virgin) - for browning, choose a good quality oil1 tbsp
This recipe guides you through preparing tender and healthy beef ribs using a slow cooker. The slow cooking process makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender while keeping the dish flavorful and low in added fats. You will need about $15 USD / €14 / £12 / ₹1200 for the ingredients. It yields approximately 4 servings, with about 350 calories per serving, rich in protein and low in fat. This recipe is suitable for a balanced, high-protein diet and is of easy difficulty. Total cooking time is about 8 hours, including preparation and cooking.
Preparation instructions
Prepare and season the beef ribs
1Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. Season all sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step adds a flavorful crust during browning.
Brown the ribs
2Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor and improves the dish's appearance.
Place vegetables in slow cooker
3Put the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed for the ribs and infuses the dish with flavor.
Add browned ribs and liquids
4Place the browned ribs on top of the vegetables. Spoon the tomato paste over the ribs. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker. Sprinkle thyme on top.
Slow cook the ribs
5Cover and cook on LOW heat for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) followed by a 3-minute rest, but slow cooked ribs are usually more tender and cooked to around 90°C (194°F) for tenderness.
Check for doneness and safety
6Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For beef ribs, minimum safe temperature is 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest, but for tender ribs slow cooked well above this is typical. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Serve and enjoy
7Carefully remove ribs from the slow cooker. Serve with the cooked vegetables and a side of your choice. Enjoy your healthy, tender slow cooked beef ribs!
Cooking Tips
1Choose leaner beef ribs trimmed of excess fat for a healthier dish.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and washing your hands after handling raw meat.
3Make sure to use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure food safety.
4If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the ribs covered at 150°C (300°F) for about 3-4 hours in an oven-safe dish.
5Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Knife and chopping board
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Shopping List
- [ ] Beef short ribs (1.2 kg): Approximately $12. Tip: Choose ribs with more meat than fat.
- [ ] Low sodium beef broth (250 ml): About $1.5. Tip: Check labels for sodium content.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium): Around $0.5. Choose firm onions.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces): $0.3. Fresh garlic has better flavor.
- [ ] Carrots (2 pieces): $0.4. Pick firm, bright-colored carrots.
- [ ] Celery stalks (2 pieces): $0.5. Crisp celery is best.
- [ ] Tomato paste (2 tbsp): $0.3. Check for no added sugar.
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp): $0.1. Fresh or dried thyme works.
- [ ] Black pepper and salt: Minimal cost. Use fresh ground pepper for best taste.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp): $0.5. Use extra virgin for flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen beef ribs directly in the slow cooker?
It's best to thaw beef ribs completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How can I tell when beef ribs are fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest for beef, but slow cooked ribs are often cooked longer to become tender.
Can I add other vegetables or spices?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms and spices like rosemary or paprika according to your taste.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can cook the ribs in a covered oven dish at 150°C (300°F) for 3-4 hours until tender.