If you're craving a comforting, hearty meal that will make your taste buds dance, look no further than this Slow Cooker Short Rib Sunday Gravy! This Italian classic is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings the family together around the dinner table. Imagine succulent short ribs simmering in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce for hours, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. Ready to impress your loved ones with a meal that feels like a warm hug? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to creating a Sunday feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs short ribs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear the short ribs in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Once the short ribs are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the ribs.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the short ribs and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring that the ribs are well covered with the sauce. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the short ribs to become tender and flavorful.
- After 6 hours of cooking, check the short ribs for tenderness. They should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If they need more time, you can continue cooking for an additional hour.
- Once the short ribs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. You can shred the meat or leave the ribs whole, depending on your preference.
- Stir the sauce in the slow cooker to combine any remaining ingredients and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it cook uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes on high.
- Serve the short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Tips
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a rich depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Layering is Key: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer the chopped onions and minced garlic on top of the short ribs. This ensures that they infuse their flavors into the meat as it cooks.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. Depending on your preference, you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty bread. Don’t forget to serve it with a side salad for a complete meal!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic next-day meal! Simply reheat the short ribs and sauce, and they’ll taste even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
