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Crockpot Cranberry Beef Short Ribs

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (High)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy-Free (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)

Description

These crockpot cranberry beef short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and bathed in a sweet, tangy cranberry sauce that practically makes itself. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into a rich, glossy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s perfect for holidays, special dinners, or an elevated weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds beef short ribs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
  3. Arrange the seasoned short ribs in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer, meaty side down if possible.
  4. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the ribs, turning them gently so they’re well coated in the sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for about 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
  6. When done, carefully transfer the short ribs to a serving platter. Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the crockpot, if desired.
  7. Spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the short ribs, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • For the best texture, choose well-marbled short ribs; the fat melts during cooking and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
  • If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking for doneness about an hour early to avoid overcooking.
  • The sauce thickens slightly as it cools. For an even thicker glaze, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 10–12 oz cooked meat and sauce)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg (varies with soy sauce and broth)
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: crockpot cranberry beef short ribs, slow cooker short ribs, cranberry short ribs, holiday beef recipe, set-and-forget dinner

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/crockpot-cranberry-beef-short-ribs/