Slow-Cooker Pineapple Maple Bourbon Beef Short Ribs

This is the kind of dinner that feels like a special occasion but takes almost no effort.

Five ingredients go into a slow cooker in the morning, and by evening you have fork-tender beef short ribs in a sweet, tangy, smoky maple bourbon glaze with caramelized pineapple. The sauce does the work while you go about your day.

Beef short ribs are a cut that rewards patience. Cooked low and slow, the connective tissue breaks down into rich, gelatinous goodness, and the meat becomes so tender it falls off the bone.

Here, they are paired with pineapple rings and fresh ginger, which add brightness and a gentle sweetness that balances the deep, smoky barbecue sauce. The result is a deeply comforting, company-worthy meal that happens to be nearly hands-off.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker provides steady, gentle heat that slowly melts the collagen in the short ribs. This turns a tough, sinewy cut into spoon-tender meat that practically falls apart.

Because the ribs are cooked in liquid, they stay moist and absorb the flavors of the sauce and fruit.

The pineapple rings do double duty: they add a fruity sweetness to the sauce as they release their juice, and they caramelize slightly during the long cook, becoming soft and intensely flavorful.

The ginger adds a warm, aromatic note that cuts through the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the sauce.

Notes and substitutions

Choose well-marbled, bone-in English-cut short ribs for the best flavor and texture. The bone adds depth to the sauce, and the marbling keeps the meat moist during the long cook. If you can only find flanken-style ribs, they will work but may cook faster.

Use a good-quality maple bourbon BBQ sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, use a regular BBQ sauce and add a splash of bourbon or apple juice. Fresh ginger is important; ground ginger will not give the same bright, pungent kick.

• maple bourbon BBQ sauce: Use a good-quality store-bought BBQ sauce and add 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp bourbon or apple juice.
• pineapple rings: Crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks work; just drain them well before adding.
• fresh ginger: Substitute 1 tsp ground ginger for 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger.
• bone-in short ribs: Boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks, can be used; reduce cook time by about 2 hours.

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plate