Crock Pot Short Ribs Weeknight Dinner

I love my crock pot and although I need to experiment more with it I have a few tried and true recipes that I go to for good weeknight meals, these short ribs are one of them... for those of you who haven't had short ribs, they are very similar to pot roast (which I also cook in the crock pot) but I personally think they turn out more tender. This recipe serves four so double or cut in half for more or less. Left overs are good too!

You need - 2 packages short ribs - 1/2 onion chopped - 3 garlic cloves - 1 can of stewed tomatoes - package of beefy onion dry soup mix - 6 medium carrots cut in to 3 inch chunks

I get ready everything ready the night before so the morning is easy and dinner time is even easier. Place the meat in the crock pot insert. Chop the onion, peel the garlic, and place in a zipper bag. Clean and chop the carrots and place in a zipper bag as well. Cover and refrigerate until the morning. In the morning dump the onion, carrots, and garlic in the crock pot with the meat. Add the soup mix, tomatoes, and 2 cups of water. Cover and turn on low for 6 hours.

   

 

When I get home from work I make some mashed potatoes and some gravy from the liquid in the crock pot. Dinner done!

 

Gravy- I used about a cup of the liquid left over from cooking the short ribs, removed some of the fat and heated to a simmer in a small sauce pan. Place about 3/4 cup of water in a container with a lid (I use a jar) and add 3 Tsp flour, shake. This is what they call a slurry, a thickening agent and more importantly, no lumps. Add to the liquid in sauce pan and whisk, heat to boiling, add some Kitchen Bouquet (about 1/2 tsp) if you have it, it adds a depth of flavor and color to your gravy. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if necessary. Keep warm until serving. 

 

Mashed potatoes- 3 potatoes, chopped, boil in seasoned water (salt or garlic salt) until fork tender. Drain. Add 3 Tbsp butter, 1/4 milk, 1/4 cup sour cream, a drizzle of ranch if you have some, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash. I like my hand held masher but you can use an electric one as well.