Simple Slow Cooker Short Ribs (FODMAP Friendly, Paleo Option)

These Simple Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs are the perfect cozy season delicious meal. The best part is, the slow cooker does the majority of the heavy lifting for you, making this a great slow cooker recipe for the holiday season or cold weather meal prep. It uses simple ingredients & is low fodmap friendly as well as suitable for a paleo diet.

If you're looking for simple slow cooker recipes to get you through the winter months, these garlic and onion free short ribs are going to become a new favorite dish. You may also enjoy this Slow Cooker Taco Soup the next time you need an easy, comforting meal.

If you're a short rib fan then you'll also like this easy Beef Stew recipe or this festive Pomegranate Rosemary Brisket.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Short Rib Recipe

• It's suitable for paleo and low fodmap diets. Boneless short ribs are the perfect option for each of these diets. Make this recipe paleo-friendly by serving it with mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes depending on your personal preference. For a more low fodmap friendly version, serve the short ribs over polenta, with mashed potatoes or alone with a delicious fall salad.
• It is simple. Since the slow cooker does most of the work for you, this is a great recipe for any time of the week. Set it and forget it before leaving for work, or savor the comforting aroma while the short ribs cook on the weekend.
• It's healthy comfort food. These easy paleo short ribs are a hearty meal that is protein rich and doesn't require any sugary premade sauces during cooking.

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Low FODMAP Slow Cooker Short Ribs Ingredients

• Boneless Short Ribs. Boneless short ribs are the preferable cut of meat for slow cooking.
• Spices. I use fodmap friendly spices like bay leaf, garlic scapes, white pepper, paprika, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg & thyme to make a homemade spice rub in addition to using salt and pepper.
• Red Wine. I use dry red wine because it creates such an incredible depth of flavor in short ribs using the slow cooker method, however if you are following a strict paleo diet, omit this. You can substitute in ingredients like coconut aminos, which is a paleo friendly substitute for soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar instead.
• Garlic Infused Olive Oil. I use garlic infused olive oil in all of my low fodmap cooking so that my recipes do not miss out on flavors I love. You can also use shallot infused olive oil as well.
• Bone Broth. Homemade bone broth is the best option for both paleo and low fodmap diets, however you can also use bone broth you find in the grocery store, just be sure it does not contain garlic or onion if you're following a low fodmap diet.
• Tomato Paste. Do not use tomato sauce as a replacement.
• Cocoa Powder. It's a little unconventional, but I like adding a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to the beef ribs. No, it won't taste chocolatey, it just adds a nice depth to the savory sauce.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the short ribs. In a large mixing bowl, combine spices, cocoa powder, salt & pepper whisking with a fork until homogenous. Add the beef short ribs to the bowl, tossing to evenly coat the cuts of meat. Once coated, sear the short ribs in a dutch oven or a large skillet of medium heat, about one minute on each side.

2. Add everything to the slow cooker. Once all short ribs have been seared, add any leftover spice rub and all remaining ingredients to the basin of your slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.

3. Cook. Cook the short ribs on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours in the crock pot until the meat is tender.

What to serve with short ribs:

Depending on whether you are following a low fodmap or paleo diet (or perhaps both) there are a few options of what can be served alongside short ribs.

FODMAP Friendly Options

• Truffle Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Polenta
• Homemade Cornbread
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Paleo Friendly Options

• Roasted Carrots (use garlic oil if you are following low fodmap)
• Mashed Cauliflower

Slow Cooker Short Ribs FAQs

Is polenta low fodmap?

Polenta is made from corn, which is low fodmap friendly. Polenta can be enjoyed in up to 1 cup servings, however polenta is not paleo.

What kind of broth should be used?

Beef broth is a great option. If you are looking for a beef broth substitute, you can use chicken broth, veggie broth or even bone broth though it is important to note they will change the flavor profile slightly. I would opt for chicken or bone broth for this short rib recipe

Do you need to sear the short ribs before slow cooking?

Yes, searing the short rib prior to slow cooking helps bring out the flavors in both the meat as well as the spices, adding to the savory depth of flavor.

How long should slow cooker short ribs cook?

The beef short ribs will reach tender perfection after 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

How to store slow cooker short ribs

Short ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!