Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Short Ribs

Recipe Introduction

Craving something seriously comforting? Me too! Are Delicious Cozy Crockpot Meals for you and the entire family what your are looking for?

This recipe nails that. Imagine tender, juicy short ribs, slow cooked in a tangy balsamic glaze. It's proper Crockpot comfort food , like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Balsamic Bliss: Slow Cooker Short Ribs

This isn't your average beef dish, love. Slow cooker short ribs , glazed with balsamic, are a flavour bomb. The acid cuts through the richness of the beef.

This recipe is inspired by Italian comfort food recipes . Think rustic charm meets modern convenience. It takes about 25 minutes to prep, then your easy slow cooker dinners is ready in 8- 10 hours on low (or 4-6 on high).

It serves four hungry souls.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

These aren't just ribs. They're fork tender perfection. The balsamic glaze gives them this amazing sweet and-sour thing going on. Plus, the slow cooker beef recipes method means minimal effort for maximum flavour.

The top health benefit? Besides the joy of eating something so darn good, the slow cooking process helps break down the tough fibres in the beef, making it easier to digest.

This is perfect for a Sunday supper, a cosy dinner party, or any time you need a little bit of 'oomph' in your life.

This balsamic glazed short ribs recipe is special. The combination of the tangy balsamic, savory beef, and creamy polenta is pure magic.

Speaking of the polenta. Oh my gosh!, it is a Creamy polenta recipe .

Next, let's talk ingredients, yeah? We'll need the basics, plus a few key players to make this dish sing.

Alright, so you're looking to whip up some Delicious Cozy Crockpot Meals for those chilly evenings? Specifically, something along the lines of slow cooker short ribs , maybe even a balsamic glazed short ribs recipe ? Sounds like my kinda cooking! Let's talk ingredients and kit.

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Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Let's break down what you'll need for these incredibly tender fall off the bone ribs and creamy polenta with Parmesan .

This is Italian comfort food recipes at its finest. Honestly, prepping these ingredients is half the fun. It sets you up for a relaxing day of Crockpot comfort food , while the magic happens in the slow cooker.

We're aiming for simple, tasty, and utterly comforting.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Beef Short Ribs: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) . Look for well marbled ribs with a good amount of meat. Marbling equals flavor! It melts into the dish as it cooks.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin is always a good shout for that extra flavour kick.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g).
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . A good quality balsamic makes all the difference.
• Beef Broth: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Bay Leaf: 1 . This adds such a nice background note.
• Water: 4 cups (950ml) .
• Polenta: 1 cup (175g) coarse ground.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (115ml) . Makes the polenta super decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated, plus more for serving.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) .

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!

This is where the magic happens. The thyme and rosemary give it that earthy, comforting vibe. The balsamic vinegar is your key to the balsamic glazed short ribs recipe because it adds a sweetness.

If you’re missing Worcestershire sauce, a dash of soy sauce can work in a pinch. Salt and pepper are your best friends, season generously!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy kit for easy slow cooker dinners . Just the basics:

• Slow Cooker: 6-quart (or larger) .
• Large Skillet: For searing those ribs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.
• Cutting Board and Knife.
• Whisk: For the polenta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula.

Honestly, this recipe is all about the slow cooker beef recipes . It’s great for cozy winter meals . It transforms simple ingredients into something amazing! Give it a go, and you'll be converted.

Plus, the smell while it cooks? Forget Yankee Candles. This is the real deal for a cozy vibe.

Cooking Method: Low and Slow for Fall Off-The-Bone Goodness

Honestly, there's nothing quite like the smell of Crockpot comfort food simmering away all day. Today, we are making Delicious Cozy Crockpot Meals for everyone!.

We're talking slow cooker short ribs , bathed in a tangy, sweet, balsamic glaze and piled high on creamy polenta .

It is like a warm hug on a plate, innit? And it's dead easy, even if you're a bit of a klutz in the kitchen like I sometimes am.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential mise en place : First things first, let's get all our bits and bobs ready. Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Measure out your liquids. You know, adulting.
• Time saving organization tips : Do this the night before. Honestly, it saves so much time. Plus, you'll feel like a total boss in the morning.
• Safety reminders : Obvious, but don't burn yourself when searing the ribs. Hot oil is no joke! Use an oven glove.

step-by-step Process: From Zero to Hero

1. Sear the short ribs : Season those beauties with salt and pepper. Get your skillet screaming hot. Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side until browned. This locks in flavour.
2. Sauté aromatics : Toss the chopped onion in the skillet. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook for one more minute.
3. Deglaze and combine sauce : Pour in 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar , scraping up those browned bits. Add 1/4 cup beef broth , 2 tablespoons tomato paste , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary , and 1 bay leaf.
4. Slow cook the ribs : Place ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the balsamic sauce over them.
5. Cook according to time : Cover. Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 6 hours . Until they literally fall apart.
6. Prepare the polenta : 30 minutes before serving, whisk 1 cup polenta into 4 cups boiling water . Cook until smooth, stirring constantly.
7. Finish the polenta : Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream , 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , and 2 tablespoons butter . Season with salt and white pepper.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Rib Game

• Don't skip the sear! It's crucial for that rich flavor, seriously. It creates Maillard reaction and makes the dish taste like a Michelin Star restaurant.
• Common mistakes to avoid : Don't overcook the ribs, they'll get dry. Trust me, I've been there. Also don't skip good Italian comfort food recipes .
• For a vegetarian twist, try mushroom cream polenta recipe , which can be a cozy winter meals .

Recipe Notes

So, you're ready to dive into these Delicious Cozy Crockpot Meals for balsamic glazed short ribs, eh? Great choice! But before you get started, let's run through a few key things that'll make your cooking experience smoother than that creamy polenta we're aiming for.

Honestly, these little tips make all the difference!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate It Up!

Presentation is key, even if it's just for you! Picture this: A generous mound of that creamy, cheesy polenta with Parmesan nestled on a plate.

Then, piled high with those gorgeous, shredded fall off the bone ribs , glistening with balsamic glaze. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan? Absolutely.

For sides, think something green and fresh. Steamed asparagus or green beans would be spot on. Or how about a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette? That’ll cut through the richness beautifully.

And don't forget some crusty bread. Trust me, you'll want to mop up every last bit of that balsamic sauce.

Storage Tips: Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Okay, let's be real, you might not have any leftovers of these Italian comfort food recipes . But if you do , here's the lowdown.

Refrigerate the short ribs and polenta separately in airtight containers. They'll happily keep for 3-4 days . To reheat the ribs, you can either microwave them (quick and easy) or warm them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop.

For the polenta, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up before reheating.

Freezing isn't really recommended for the polenta, as it can get a bit grainy. However, the slow cooker short ribs freeze like a dream! Just let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer safe container.

They'll be good for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? You got it. For a gluten-free version, double check your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified. You can even swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth to lighten things up a bit.

If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of red wine in that balsamic glaze will add a lovely depth of flavor.

And if you're short on time (or just plain lazy, like I am sometimes!), you can use pre-made polenta. Just heat it up according to the package instructions and stir in the cream and Parmesan.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of these balsamic glazed short ribs recipe is roughly around 750-850 calories. Don't freak out! You're getting a good hit of protein (45-55g), plus some fats (40-50g) and carbs (30-40g).

This recipe is great for cozy winter meals , so you can enjoy these easy slow cooker dinners during the week.

Remember these are just estimates, and it will vary depending on your portion size. But hey, it's all about balance, right?

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. It's proper crockpot comfort food . It's simple to make, tastes amazing, and is perfect for a slow cooker beef recipes night in.

Go on, give it a go! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these slow cooker balsamic glazed short ribs ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, like Mary Berry prepping for the "Bake Off"!

Absolutely! In fact, this dish is even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just store the cooked short ribs and polenta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

I don't have short ribs. Can I use another cut of beef for these delicious cozy crockpot meals for every day?

Yes, you can! Beef chuck roast is a great substitute for short ribs in this recipe. It's a less expensive cut that becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before searing. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so check for tenderness after 6-7 hours on low.

My balsamic glaze is too thin after cooking. How can I thicken it up?

No worries, that's a common issue. There are a few ways to thicken the glaze. You can either remove the short ribs, increase the heat in the slow cooker to high, and cook the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it reduces.

Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stovetop and simmer it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

How do I keep my polenta from sticking to the bottom of the pot? It always ends up a right old mess!

Ah, sticky polenta is a classic kitchen woe. The key is constant attention! Stir the polenta frequently, especially during the last 10 minutes of cooking, to prevent sticking. Using a heavy bottomed saucepan can also help distribute the heat more evenly. A good whisk will also prevent the polenta from sticking!

Is there anything I can add to this recipe to give it a little extra "oomph"?

Definitely! For a deeper, more complex flavour, try adding a splash of dry red wine to the balsamic sauce while it's simmering in the skillet. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick. To bring the flavor to the next level use good quality balsamic vinegar!

What are the best practices for storing any leftover delicious cozy crockpot meals?

Firstly, allow your leftover to cool before properly storing your short ribs and polenta. Then store them in an air-tight container. Consume the leftover in 2 to 3 days!