Slow cooked tender beef ribs served on a wooden board with herbs

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Slow Cooked Beef Ribs

Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Slow Cooked Beef Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 15 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg Beef short ribs; 2 tsp Salt (preferably kosher); 1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 2 tsp Paprika; 1 tbsp Brown sugar; 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 cup Beef broth or water; 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary (optional); 2 sprigs Fresh thyme (optional)

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easy

6 hour 15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories650kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat45gram

Protein50gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Beef short ribs1.5 kg
Salt (preferably kosher)2 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Paprika2 tsp
Brown sugar1 tbsp
Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
Beef broth or water1 cup
Fresh rosemary (optional)2 sprigs
Fresh thyme (optional)2 sprigs

This recipe guides you through the process of slow cooking beef ribs to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results perfect for a comforting meal. Using a low and slow cooking technique ensures the meat is tender and falls off the bone. It is a simple recipe suitable for beginner cooks, requiring basic equipment, and common ingredients. Total ingredient cost is approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, and ₹1100 depending on local prices. The dish yields 4 servings with approximately 650 kcal per serving. This recipe is ideal for meat lovers and can fit into a balanced diet. Preparation plus cooking time is about 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the ribs

1Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps with browning later.

Season the ribs

2Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs for great flavor enhancement.

Brown the ribs

3Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until you see a nice crust. This will add depth to the flavor.

Transfer ribs to slow cooker

4Place the browned ribs into the slow cooker. Pour beef broth or water over the ribs to maintain moisture during cooking. Add fresh rosemary and thyme if using, for aromatic flavor.

Slow cook the ribs

5Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. For safety, ensure that during cooking the internal temperature of the beef reaches at least 63°C (145°F) followed by a rest period, but for tender short ribs, cooking longer breaks down collagen safely.

Check tenderness and temperature

6Test the ribs’ tenderness by gently pulling meat — it should be very tender and nearly falling off the bone. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; it should reach about 90°C (195-203°F) for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Serve and enjoy

7Remove ribs from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy tender and juicy beef ribs with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips

1To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.

2Do not leave the slow cooker on unattended for excessively long periods longer than advised to ensure food safety.

3You can substitute beef broth with red wine or a mixture of beef broth and tomato sauce for a richer flavor.

4If you like a glaze, brush barbecue sauce over the ribs in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or crockpot
Large skillet or frying pan
Meat thermometer
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Small bowls
Paper towels

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Beef short ribs, 1.5 kg (~$12): Look for well-marbled ribs for best flavor and tenderness.
[ ] Salt (kosher), small pack (~$1): Coarse salt helps in seasoning evenly.
[ ] Black pepper, small jar (~$2): Freshly ground provides better aroma.
[ ] Garlic powder, small jar (~$2): For easy garlic flavor.
[ ] Onion powder, small jar (~$2): Adds sweet onion flavor.
[ ] Paprika, small jar (~$2): Smoked paprika adds depth but regular works.
[ ] Brown sugar, small pack (~$1): For a touch of sweetness.
[ ] Olive or vegetable oil, bottle (~$3): For browning ribs.
[ ] Beef broth, 1 cup (~$2): Use for moist cooking.
[ ] Fresh rosemary and thyme (optional), small bunch (~$2): Adds fresh herbal aroma.

Total approximate cost: $15 (prices vary by location).

FAQ

Can I use a high setting on the slow cooker?

You can, but cooking on low for 6-7 hours yields more tender ribs. High setting cooks faster but may not be as tender.

How do I know when the beef ribs are safe to eat?

The safe minimum internal temperature for beef ribs is 63°C (145°F) followed by a rest. For fall-off-the-bone ribs, aim for 90°C. Always use a meat thermometer to check.