Decadent Red Wine Short Ribs Made Easy in Your Slow Cooker

Short ribs braised in red wine are a classic comfort food that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to prepare. This slow cooker recipe transforms tough, flavorful beef ribs into tender, fall-apart meat infused with rich, cozy flavors. It’s perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal without the usual stress of complicated cooking techniques.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a straightforward way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. The secret lies in layering flavors and giving the ribs plenty of time to become tender in the slow cooker.

Slow cooker red wine short ribs with carrots and herbs

Why Choose Slow Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs?

Short ribs are known for their rich marbling and deep beefy flavor, but they require slow, gentle cooking to become tender. Using a slow cooker lets you:

• Develop deep flavors without constant attention

• Make the meat incredibly tender, so it falls off the bone

• Free up your time while the meal cooks slowly

• Impress guests with minimal effort

  
  

The red wine adds acidity and complexity, balancing the richness of the beef and vegetables. This recipe uses Cabernet Sauvignon, which pairs beautifully with the hearty meat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients before you start:

• 3–4 lbs bone-in short ribs (about 6 ribs)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 large onion, cut into large chunks

• 3 carrots, cut into chunks

• 3 celery stalks, cut like the carrots

• 10 garlic cloves, minced (yes, a lot — it’s worth it)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2–3 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

  
  

These ingredients combine to create a rich, aromatic sauce that complements the tender meat perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

2. Brown the Ribs for Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust, about one minute per side. This step locks in flavor and adds depth. Transfer the browned ribs to your slow cooker.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t clean it), add the carrots, celery, and onion. Lower the heat to medium and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften slightly, about 4 minutes.

4. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

5. Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the browned bits. These bits are packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Finish the Sauce

Add the beef broth and stir to combine. Pour this mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.

7. Add Herbs and Cook Low and Slow

Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid cooking on high, as the ribs need time to become tender and develop flavor.

8. Serve and Enjoy

The ribs should be fall-apart tender when ready. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Short Ribs

• Use bone-in ribs for better flavor and texture.

• Don’t skip browning; it adds essential depth.

• Be generous with garlic; it enhances the sauce’s aroma.

• Choose a good quality red wine you’d enjoy drinking.

• Cook low and slow for the best tenderness.

  
  

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes to balance the rich sauce

• Polenta for a smooth, slightly sweet base

• Roasted root vegetables for extra fall flavors

• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness

  
  

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker red wine short ribs offer a perfect blend of rich flavor and effortless cooking. This recipe turns a seemingly intimidating dish into a manageable, rewarding meal that will impress anyone at your table. The long cooking time in the slow cooker transforms the ribs into tender, juicy bites infused with the deep flavors of wine, herbs, and vegetables.