If you are searching for a meal that’s the very definition of comfort and elegance combined, this Crock Pot Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Imagine beef short ribs so tender they fall right off the bone, slowly cooked in a luscious red wine, garlic, and herb sauce that seeps deep into every bite. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful feast with minimal effort, perfect for impressing friends or indulging on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. On the left, a white plate holds several thick pieces of raw red meat with some marbling and fat. Surrounding the plate are small glass bowls with different ingredients: a bowl of white flour above, a bowl of orange carrot slices to the right, chopped white onions in a glass bowl below the carrots, a small bowl of salt to the left of the onions, a bowl with red tomato paste below the salt, a bowl of chopped garlic to the right of the paste, and a bowl of black pepper next to the garlic. There are also two clear measuring cups filled with dark red wine on the right and brown broth below it. Below the cutting space are olive oil and sprigs of thyme and a green bay leaf placed near the bowls. All items are arranged neatly with good lighting on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, tender texture, and that rich, inviting color this dish is famous for.

3–4 pounds beef short ribs: Choose meaty ribs with good marbling for juicy, flavorful results.
Salt and pepper to taste: The perfect seasoning foundation to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the ribs, giving a deeper, caramelized flavor to the dish.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce as it simmers down.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a slight pungency that complements the beef perfectly.
1 cup red wine: The star of the sauce, infusing a bold, rich complexity.
1 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and a savory base that melds all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances the sauce’s depth and gives a subtle tangy sweetness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness and a hint of tang.
1 teaspoon thyme: Offers a herby earthiness that brightens the rich sauce.
1 teaspoon rosemary: Another herb that adds a fragrant piney note supporting the wine and beef.

How to Make Crock Pot Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Ribs

Start by generously seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. This straightforward step is crucial for building flavor right at the start. If you have time, brown the ribs in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This creates a beautiful crust that locks in juices and intensifies the taste of your final dish.

Step 2: Place Ribs in the Crock Pot

Once browned, carefully arrange the ribs in your crock pot. Layering them snugly ensures they cook evenly and absorb the savory sauce that’s coming next.

Step 3: Prepare the Red Wine Sauce

In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir these together until well blended—the rich red wine and aromatic herbs create the heart of this sauce. Pour the mixture evenly over the ribs, letting the flavors seep into the meat as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crock pot to low and let the ribs braise gently for 8 to 9 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours works too. The slow simmer breaks down the connective tissues in the ribs, resulting in fall-apart tenderness and a deeply flavored sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Adjust the Sauce

Once cooked, you might want to thicken the incredible sauce. You can do this by removing the liquid and reducing it in a saucepan or whisking in a cornstarch slurry. This step ensures your red wine sauce coats the ribs and any chosen sides beautifully.

How to Serve Crock Pot Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with slow-cooked beef short ribs covered in a dark brown, rich sauce. The ribs are layered on top, with visible soft textures and shiny glaze from the sauce. Small mushrooms and pieces of onion are scattered between the ribs, adding light brown and glossy touches. A sprig of fresh green rosemary lies on the right side of the bowl, giving a fresh and natural contrast to the dark meat. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance your presentation and add fresh notes, consider garnishing the ribs with finely chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of thyme leaves. A few twists of cracked black pepper on top will also add a bit of boldness with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs spectacularly with creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta, both of which soak up the luscious red wine sauce. Roasted root vegetables or sautéed green beans bring color and texture contrast that make the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve each rib atop a small scoop of garlic mashed potatoes, drizzled generously with red wine sauce and a side of roasted baby carrots. You can also layer the sauce and ribs over buttery polenta in shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy feel that’s perfect for winter evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meat and sauce actually deepen in flavor overnight, making second-day servings even more irresistible.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container, separating portions if you like, and freeze for up to 3 months. When frozen properly, the texture and taste remain just as delicious as freshly made.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 325°F, covered, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the sauce silky and prevents the ribs from drying out.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the ribs?

Yes, you can skip browning, but searing the ribs first adds a wonderful depth of flavor and color that enhances the overall richness of the dish. It’s worth the extra few minutes if you can.

What type of red wine should I use?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir works best. Avoid wines labeled “cooking wine” as they tend to be salty and less flavorful.

Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a crock pot?

Absolutely! Braise the ribs covered at 325°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender, checking occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t dry out.

How can I thicken the red wine sauce?

After cooking, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until reduced, or whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and cold water to achieve your desired thickness.

Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?

Yes! The impressive aroma and presentation of these tender ribs will wow your guests, and since it’s slow cooked, you can prep ahead and relax as it works its magic.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels special but is deceptively easy to prepare, give this Crock Pot Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to fill your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked beef and red wine, and to serve a meal that invites happy sighs and second helpings. Trust me, once you make this, it will be a cherished recipe in your collection for a long time to come!