Tender Slow-Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Indulge in these tender and succulent beef short ribs simmered slowly in a rich blend of brown sugar, garlic, thyme, and robust dark beer. This comforting dish, perfect for any occasion, will have you relishing each mouthful of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite noodles for an unforgettable meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef short ribs
3 lbs (cut into serving-sized pieces)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (crushed)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
condensed French onion soup
10 1/2 ounce can (none)
dark beer or regular beer
12 fluid ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Arrange the beef short ribs evenly in a 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker.
2
Sprinkle the brown sugar, minced garlic, crushed thyme, and all-purpose flour over the beef.
3
Toss the beef to ensure an even coating of the seasoning mix.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the condensed French onion soup and beer. Mix until well-blended.
5
Pour the soup and beer mixture over the seasoned beef ribs.
6
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the beef on the LOW setting for 8 to 9 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
7
Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, though the best results are achieved on the longer low-temperature setting.
8
Once cooked, serve the short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or your choice of noodles to complete the meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this slow cooker recipe?
The recipe uses 3 lbs of beef short ribs, cut into serving-sized pieces.
How long does it take to cook the beef short ribs on the Low setting?
Cooking on the LOW setting takes between 8 to 9 hours for the best fork-tender results.
Is there a faster cooking option for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the beef on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours.
What size slow cooker is recommended for these short ribs?
A 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
What type of beer should I use for the sauce?
The recipe suggests 12 fluid ounces of either dark beer or regular beer.
How much beef is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of beef short ribs.
What ingredients are used for the dry seasoning mix?
The seasoning mix includes brown sugar, minced garlic, crushed dried thyme leaves, and all-purpose flour.
Do I need to sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
The instructions do not require searing; you simply arrange the ribs in the cooker and toss them with seasonings.
What kind of soup is included in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 10 1/2 ounce can of condensed French onion soup.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What is the purpose of the all-purpose flour in the recipe?
The flour is tossed with the beef and seasonings to help coat the meat and likely thicken the sauce during cooking.
What should I serve with the tender beef short ribs?
This dish is best served with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite style of noodles.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
Is the brown sugar measured packed or loose?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Meat dish, specifically a main course dinner.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed dried thyme leaves, but fresh could be used as a substitute if adjusted for potency.
How should the beef be prepared before adding it to the pot?
The short ribs should be cut into serving-sized pieces.
Do I mix the soup and beer together before pouring?
Yes, you should combine the condensed French onion soup and beer in a separate bowl until well-blended before adding to the cooker.
What makes this recipe a 'comfort food'?
The combination of slow-cooked tender meat, rich dark beer sauce, and pairing with mashed potatoes or noodles makes it a classic comfort dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as both a make-ahead and meal prep friendly recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to arrange the beef short ribs evenly in the slow cooker.
How do I know when the beef is finished cooking?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender, typically after 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Should the beef be coated in seasonings?
Yes, after sprinkling the dry ingredients, you should toss the beef to ensure an even coating.
How much beer is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 12 fluid ounces of beer.
What is the specific preparation for the thyme?
The dried thyme leaves should be crushed before being sprinkled over the beef.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
Yes, it contains 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar to add a hint of sweetness to the rich sauce.
What is the texture of the finished beef?
The recipe describes the result as succulent and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Is the French onion soup used as a liquid or a concentrate?
It is used as a condensed soup, which is then mixed with the beer.
Can I use a larger slow cooker than 6 quarts?
The recipe specifies a 3 1/2- to 6-quart cooker; using a significantly larger one might cause the liquids to evaporate too quickly.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is rich and robust, featuring garlic, thyme, savory onion, and the depth of dark beer.