If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs are the perfect choice. This dish combines tender beef short ribs with a sweet and savory cranberry sauce, resulting in a comforting, fall-off-the-bone meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish that will impress your family and guests.
These Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The tangy sweetness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the rich, juicy beef ribs, creating a mouthwatering contrast that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.
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Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Tender and flavorful beef short ribs cooked in a slow cooker with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4–6 beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (jelly or whole berries)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. Transfer the seared short ribs to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the short ribs in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and the meat easily falls off the bone.
- Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the crockpot and set aside. If desired, skim any excess fat from the sauce.
- Serve the short ribs with the cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of red wine to the sauce before serving.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it on the stovetop after removing the ribs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef short ribs
The main component of this dish is beef short ribs. These flavorful, tender cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking, as they become melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours in the crockpot.
Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the beef short ribs. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or make your own with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest.
Onion
Onion brings depth and sweetness to the dish. It’s sautéed and added to the slow cooker, where it caramelizes as the ribs cook, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic
Garlic is a must for adding richness and aromatic depth to the sauce. It complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the savory beef perfectly.
Beef broth
Beef broth is used to help create a flavorful base for the sauce and to keep the short ribs moist while they cook.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a rich, complex sauce.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar intensifies the sweetness of the cranberries, helping to create a syrupy sauce that coats the short ribs beautifully.
Dijon mustard
A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a hint of tang and sharpness that complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the richness of the beef.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the ribs, enhancing the flavors of the beef and sauce.
Directions
- Sear the short ribs:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step helps to develop deeper flavor. Once seared, transfer the ribs to the crockpot. - Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Add the cranberry sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, making sure the brown sugar dissolves. - Transfer the sauce to the crockpot:
Pour the prepared sauce over the short ribs in the crockpot. Make sure the ribs are mostly submerged in the sauce, adding a little extra beef broth if needed. - Cook the ribs:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the short ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. - Serve:
Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the crockpot and set them on a platter. Spoon some of the sauce over the ribs and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The total time is approximately 6-8 hours, making this an easy, hands-off meal.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
These Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs are easy to customize based on your flavor preferences or dietary needs.
Add Vegetables
For added nutrition and flavor, you can add vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or celery to the crockpot. These vegetables will soak up the sauce as they cook, adding more depth to the dish.
Make it Spicy
If you like a bit of heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Use Other Cuts of Beef
If you don’t have short ribs, you can substitute with beef chuck roast or brisket. These cuts will still become tender and flavorful after slow cooking, though they might need a little more time.
Make it Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef short ribs with portobello mushrooms or cauliflower. You can cook them in the same cranberry sauce for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
Add Herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme work wonderfully in this dish. Add a few sprigs of these herbs to the crockpot along with the other ingredients to infuse the sauce with even more flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 rib) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor
Searing the short ribs before slow cooking adds a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the final dish. Don’t skip this step!
Adjust the Sweetness
You can control the sweetness of the cranberry sauce by adjusting the amount of brown sugar you use. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, cut back on the sugar.
Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce
If you have time, try using homemade cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Homemade sauce allows you to control the level of sweetness and flavor, adding a personal touch to the dish.
Make It Ahead
You can make the sauce and sear the short ribs ahead of time, then refrigerate them. When you’re ready to cook, simply add everything to the crockpot and cook as directed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen short ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and ensure the meat is fully thawed before serving.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by braising the short ribs. Sear the ribs, add the sauce ingredients, and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add potatoes, carrots, or onions to the crockpot for a more complete meal. These vegetables will absorb the sauce and complement the beef beautifully.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute tamari (for a gluten-free version) or coconut aminos for soy sauce. These alternatives will give a similar umami flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
These Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs are the perfect comfort food that combines the richness of beef short ribs with the sweet, tangy flavor of cranberry sauce. This dish is easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a special dinner for your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Let the slow cooker do the work and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
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