These Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs are the definition of comforting, hearty home cooking. Tender, richly marbled beef slowly cooks in a deeply savory sauce made with beef broth, garlic, onions, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce until it becomes incredibly tender and practically melts apart with a fork.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the beef to absorb layers of rich flavor while creating a silky sauce that’s perfect spooned over mashed potatoes. This is an ideal recipe for a cozy Sunday dinner, family gathering, or any night when you want an impressive meal without spending hours at the stove.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef
Long, gentle cooking breaks down the connective tissue and creates exceptionally tender beef.
Rich Savory Gravy
The cooking liquid develops into a deeply flavorful sauce that’s perfect over potatoes.
Minimal Hands-On Work
Once everything goes into the slow cooker, dinner practically takes care of itself.
Perfect Comfort Food
Serve these short ribs for:
- Sunday dinner
- Family gatherings
- Holiday meals
- Cozy winter nights
- Special occasions
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef
- 3–4 pounds boneless beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sauce
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Step 1: Season the Beef
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.
Season all sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
Let the beef sit for about 15–20 minutes while you prepare the skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the short ribs for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary.
Brown all sides thoroughly, then transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
This step adds a deep roasted flavor to the finished dish.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes until beginning to soften.
Add minced garlic and tomato paste.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the red wine and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Add:
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
Stir until well combined.
Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook:
Low: 7–8 hours
High: 4–5 hours
The beef is ready when it is extremely tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Remove the Beef
Carefully transfer the short ribs to a serving platter.
Cover loosely with foil and let them rest while you finish the gravy.
Remove the rosemary stems, thyme stems, and bay leaves from the cooking liquid.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan or use the slow cooker on its sauté setting if available.
Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
Whisk the slurry into the hot cooking liquid.
Simmer for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring until the gravy thickens.
Stir in butter for a silky finish.
Step 8: Serve
Return the short ribs to the gravy or spoon the gravy generously over the beef.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a little black pepper.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Choose Well-Marbled Beef
Good marbling gives the short ribs their rich flavor and tender texture.
Don’t Skip the Sear
Searing creates browned flavors that you won’t get from slow cooking alone.
Cook Until Tender
If the beef isn’t fork-tender, give it more time rather than increasing the heat.
Don’t Add Too Much Liquid
The beef releases additional moisture as it cooks, so the ribs don’t need to be completely submerged.
Make the Gravy at the End
Thickening the sauce after cooking gives you much better control over its consistency.
What to Serve With Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The rich gravy and buttery potatoes are a perfect combination.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Simple noodles soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Roasted Carrots
Their natural sweetness complements the savory beef.
Green Beans
A fresh vegetable helps balance the richness.
Creamy Polenta
A luxurious alternative to mashed potatoes.
Crusty Bread
Perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy.
How to Store Leftover Short Ribs
Store the beef and gravy together in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a covered saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has become too thick.
For longer storage, freeze the beef with the gravy for up to 3 months.
Delicious Ways to Customize This Recipe
Mushroom Short Ribs
Add sliced mushrooms during the final few hours of cooking.
BBQ Short Ribs
Replace part of the sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Garlic Herb Short Ribs
Increase the garlic and add extra rosemary and thyme.
French Onion Short Ribs
Add extra caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese before serving.
Spicy Short Ribs
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the cooking liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in short ribs?
Yes. Bone-in short ribs work beautifully, although you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on their size.
Do I have to use red wine?
No. Replace it with additional beef broth if you prefer not to use wine.
Why are my short ribs still tough?
They probably need more time. Short ribs become tender when the connective tissue has had enough time to break down.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors often become even richer after sitting overnight.
Can I cook the short ribs without searing?
Yes, but searing adds significantly more depth and richness to the finished dish.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food: tender, richly flavored beef surrounded by a luxurious homemade gravy. The slow cooker transforms a relatively simple cut of beef into an incredibly satisfying dinner with very little hands-on effort.
Serve the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, spoon plenty of gravy over the top, and finish with fresh parsley for a cozy meal that’s perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or special occasions.