German Short Ribs
German Short Ribs offer tender, flavorful meat with a rich, tangy sauce, perfect for hearty dinners and suitable for slow-cooking enthusiasts seeking comforting, savory dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat the short ribs with 2 tablespoons flour, salt, and pepper. Brown them in shortening.
- In a crock-pot, combine the browned ribs, sliced onions, red wine, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Turn the heat to high and thicken the sauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch), dissolved in water.
- Cook on high for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the short ribs over wide egg noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in the red wine and spices overnight. You can use beef broth instead of red wine for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. Adjust the chili sauce to control the heat level, and feel free to use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the German short ribs over wide egg noodles for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad complements this dish beautifully. For added flavor, consider serving with a tangy Southern Living Chutney on the side. A hearty bread can also soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the short ribs on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Short Ribs contains roughly 367 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% 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 cut of meat instead of short ribs?
Yes, you can substitute chuck roast or brisket in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since these cuts may vary in tenderness and thickness. Ensure they have enough fat to keep the dish flavorful and moist during cooking.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in an oven?
Absolutely! After browning the ribs, transfer them to a Dutch oven, add the remaining ingredients, and cover. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out, adding liquid if necessary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To give the dish a kick, you can add more chili powder or include a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. If you enjoy smoky flavors, consider adding smoked paprika for an extra depth of heat. Adjust to your taste preference!
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).