Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer

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4.79 from 38 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 hours
Total: 8 hours 10 minutes
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Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer are a delicious BBQ meal that you can make inside. They’re braised in a yummy beer sauce until they’re tender perfection, and only take just a few minutes to put together.

I love beef cooked in the crockpot. If you do too, you’ll definitely want to try my Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Recipe and my Slow Cooked Italian Pot Roast.

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with Crockpot Short Ribs braised in beer and garnished with chopped parsley, next to a fork, salt and pepper shakers, and fresh parsley.

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Why this Slow Cooker Beef Short Rib Recipe is a Keeper

These short ribs slow-cooked to perfection are as delicious as as they are simple to make. Plus, they’re sure to be tender and packed full of flavor.

  • Fall-Apart Tender: The long slow cook makes the beef ribs incredibly tender.
  • Rich Flavor: Beer and aromatics create a deep, savory, meaty, sauce.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work.
  • Perfect Comfort Food: Ideal for cozy dinners or weekend meals.

Do Short Ribs Get Tender in the Slow Cooker?

Sow-cooked in a rich brown sauce with chopped parsley, served hot in a black slow cooker.

Absolutely they do! Cooking this cut of beef for 8 hours of cooking on low makes the chuck short ribs perfectly tender.

What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“These short ribs are fantastic. I add extra vegetables in the crockpot, too. A family favorite, for sure! This is my go to comfort food recipe.”
~ Sharon

Ingredient Notes for Slow Braised Ribs

You need a few simple ingredients to make this beer braised short ribs recipe.

This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

Raw beef bones, chopped onions, minced garlic, and various seasonings and liquids are arranged in separate bowls—perfect prep for Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer—on a clean white surface.
  • Bone-In Beef Short Ribs: The recipe for short ribs calls for bone-in short ribs, but you can also use boneless short ribs to make this crockpot comfort food
  • Onions: Use 3 medium onions, or 2 large onions to cook low and slow.
  • Beer: You will need 12 ounces of beer to make new take on a rich red wine sauce.

Variations and Substitutions for Crockpot Short Ribs

This slow cooker recipe is super flexible, it is one of the reasons I love this recipe. Switch it up to make it work for your tastes.

➡️ Swap the Beer: Use beef broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
➡️ Add Vegetables: Include carrots or potatoes for a one-pot meal.
➡️ Use Red Wine: Replace beer for a classic braised short rib flavor.
➡️ Change Flavor: Add in other ingredients like rosemary, Worcestershire sauce to switch up the flavor.
➡️ Add Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms for extra savory flavor to the crockpot short ribs.

Special Equipment Needed for Fall Off the Bone Ribs

You will need just a couple different pieces of kitchenware to make this fork tender ribs recipe.

  • Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works well for evenly cooking. Using the short ribs long and slow.
  • Large Skillet: Useful to sear the short ribs over medium high heat before slow cooking, if desired.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

In just 3 steps, and with minimal effort, you can have incredibly tender ribs.

These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A four-step collage showing Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer: beef short ribs in a slow cooker, sauce being added, beer poured in, and the cooked, shredded beef garnished with herbs.
  • Place the Ribs: Add the onions to a crockpot, followed by the ribs and a bay leaf. Mix the beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, thyme, beef bouillon, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Pour over the meat, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Save Meat and Veggies: When ribs are cooked, plate short ribs meat and veggies, and keep warm. Discard bay leaf, skim some of the fat from the liquid, and transfer juice to a saucepan.
  • Make the Gravy: Boil the juice from the crockpot. Whisk the flour and water until smooth, then gently mix into the boiling saucepan. Bring back to a hard simmer and let thicken until it’s the desired consistency.

Prep Ahead and Short Cuts for Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe 

Preparing steps ahead of time can be the best way to go to make dinner whenever you’re ready.

➡️ Season the Ribs: Season the meat and refrigerate overnight.
➡️ Chop Aromatics: Prepare onions and garlic ahead of time for any pot roast or beef stew.

Alternate Cooking Methods for Braised Beef Ribs

Alternatively, you can make crock pot short ribs using your Dutch oven.

  • Dutch Oven Method: Brown the ribs first, or skip the searing, then braise them in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F for about 3 hours.

What Beer Works Best for Braised Short Ribs?

For the most rich, deep flavor, use a stout or porter. However, you can use any beer than you like to drink.

Can I Replace the Beer with Red Wine for the Crockpot Short Ribs?

Yes! Replace beer with a delicious red wine for that classic braised short rib flavor.

Close-up of Crockpot Short Ribs braised in beer, with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots in a rich brown sauce, garnished with chopped parsley.

Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Crockpot Short Ribs

Store slow cooker braised short ribs correctly to enjoy them for the next couple days.

  • Storing: Store leftover Crockpot Short Ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Place the short ribs in a pan on the stove with some of the sauce to keep the meat moist.
  • Using Leftovers: Shred leftover meat and serve shredded short ribs on top of Baked Twice Mashed Potatoes or on some bread as a spin on a Chopped Brisket Sandwich.

Expert Tips for Making Slow Cooker Ribs with Beer Gravy

➡️ Brown the Meat: Browning creates deeper flavor in the final dish.
➡️ Cook on Low: Longer cooking time produces better texture using the slow cooker.
➡️ Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the sauce before serving the crockpot Short ribs..

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Shredded pot roast with brown gravy, reminiscent of Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer, served over mashed potatoes and garnished with chopped parsley.

Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer

4.79 from 38 votes
These Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer are a delicious way to bring BBQ inside. They're braised to perfection in a yummy beer sauce. Plus, they take just a few minutes to put together before the crockpot does the work.
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Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 8 hours
Total Time : 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Author: Christina Hitchcock

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium Onions, cut into wedges
  • 3- 3 ½ pounds Bone-in beef short ribs
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 12 ounces Beer, Bottled
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons Beef bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoons Salt
  • ¼ teaspoons Pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Cold water

Instructions
 

  • Place onions in a 5 quart slow cooker; add ribs and bay leaf.
  • Combine the beer, brown sugar, mustard, tomato paste, thyme, bouillon, salt and pepper.
  • Pour over meat.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender.
  • Remove meat and vegetables to a serving platter; keep warm.
  • Discard bay leaf.
  • Skim fat from cooking juices; transfer juices to a small saucepan.
  • Bring liquid to a boil.
  • Combine flour and water until smooth.
  • Gradually stir into the pan.
  • Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Christina’s Notes

  • Allow Meat to Rest: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
  • Low and Slow: Cook the beef short ribs on low heat for a longer period. This allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
  • Flavor: Add a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Beer: Opt for a beer with a robust flavor profile, such as a stout or porter. These beers can add depth and complexity to the dish.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.

  • Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
  • Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
  • Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.

Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Calories: 706kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 70gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 212mgSodium: 885mgPotassium: 1454mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 9mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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81 thoughts on “Crockpot Short Ribs Braised in Beer”

  1. I made this recipe tonight and it was amazing!! My husband licked his plate clean! Better than most restaurant short ribs!! Delicious!!!

    Reply

  2. Goodmorning Christina…

    I made this dish yesterday and it is delicious ! I am not a big fan of crockpot recipes and I am very happy to say this one Is A Keeper !!!

    Thanks for your response to my question and I have to agree that the tomato paste is the way to go…Thanks…Charlene

    Reply

    • I’m so glad you liked it!! I think the tomato paste adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from a substitution. I’m glad you tried it! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Thank You Christina for getting back to me 🙂 I am looking forward to this recipe..it smells delicious. I am glad I went to the store to get the tomato paste I am sure it will make a difference….

    Reply

  5. I am making the shortribs in the crockpot now…I forgot to buy the tomato paste…is there something I can use instead or should I just go buy it ??

    Reply

    • The tomato paste adds a lot of richness to the dish. I don’t think there would be a suitable replacement. I would pick some up. I hope you like it! 🙂

      Reply

  6. I will be making this for New Years Eve dinner tomorrow, with mashed potatoes and heirloom carrots. I am planning on substituting Beef broth for Beef Boillion (2 cups I think?), do you think this will work out OK? Any other suggestions on doing this?

    Reply

    • I think 2 cups might be too much. I would use 1/2 cup of broth and eliminate the water from the recipe. Let me know how you make out! 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply

  7. All I can say…the short ribs were absolutely fantastic! I pulled out the crock pot to make some comfort food during today’s snow storm. Glad I found this site and recipe. I never made short ribs before, but I will make them again…and soon!

    Reply

    • It should be great! I typically use Yuengling Lager (since that’s all we have in our house) when I make any recipe with beer and it’s divine! Let me know if you try it and how you make out! We’re having this for dinner tomorrow night and I can’t wait! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Made this for dinner tonight. Can I say AMAZING. My whole family enjoyed it and that is not easy to do. It was so fast to get ready in the morning and very litte prep when I got home from work. I added carrots and mushrooms which made a great addition.

    Reply

    • So glad you liked it!!!! It’s really an AWESOME recipe — my family loves it too!!!

      Thanks for reporting back! 🙂

      Reply

  11. oh my word. i can smell this thru my screen. heaven.

    thanks for linking to creative juice thursday!

    Reply

  12. We love short ribs at our house. I usually use Emiril’s recipe which uses a little red wine vinegar. Like the beer, it gives it a little extra flavor but nothing overpowering. This looks yummy, I’ll have to try it next time.

    Reply

  13. Mmm – I love ribs! I don’t brown mine first either but I have never tried to cook them in the slow cooker! Gotta try it this way next time! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  14. Sounds soooo good! Thanks for linking at
    Make a Food-“e”-Friend Monday. Hope you’re having a great weekend.

    Reply

  16. Wow. I always sear my short ribs on all sides, THEN braise them forever. Definitely going to try this one. (I often serve mine with some creamy Parmesan polenta and a crispy salad!) Here from Stuff & Nonsense and am following.

    Reply

  19. And, if it works in a crockpot, it’s great in a solar oven! Hello from Prairie Story Recipe Swap. Gonna browse around your site — everything looks delish. Come visit when you can!

    Reply
4.79 from 38 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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