Crocked Ribs
Tender crockpot short ribs slow-cooked with vegetables, red wine, and aromatic seasonings, creating a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. well-trimmed short ribs ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. liquid gravy seasoning ⓘ
- 1 lb. carrots chunks
- 1 lb. small white onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Minute tapioca ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 instant beef bouillon ⓘ
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- peeled potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brush the short ribs with gravy seasoning and place them in the bottom of a 5 1/2 quart crock-pot.
- Add carrots, white onions, garlic, bay leaves, and peeled potatoes to the crock-pot.
- Combine tapioca, pepper, thyme, salt, and beef bouillon; sprinkle this mixture over the short ribs and vegetables.
- Pour red wine and water over the ingredients in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on high setting for 4 1/2 to 5 hours until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the short ribs overnight in the gravy seasoning. If you don't have red wine, a mix of grape juice and vinegar can work as a substitute. Also, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the taste. Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available for a fresher profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crocked ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious juices. Pair with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A glass of red wine would complement the dish nicely, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover crocked ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat with a bit of added water or broth to prevent drying out. They can also be microwaved but should be covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crocked Ribs contains roughly 372 calories, with 4g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1366mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute short ribs with other cuts like chuck roast or pork ribs. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Ensure the meat is well-trimmed to avoid excessive grease.
What can I use if I don't have tapioca?
If tapioca is unavailable, cornstarch or flour can be used as a thickening agent. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the crock-pot in the last hour of cooking.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on the size of the ribs and the heat of your crock-pot. Always check for tenderness before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).