Description

Indulge in tender, flavorful Crockpot Chocolate Stout Short Ribs that simmer slowly in a rich blend of chocolate stout, hoisin sauce, and bittersweet chocolate. Perfectly seared and slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables, these ribs are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making for a comforting and elegant meal served over creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

10 2-inch beef short ribs

Vegetables

1 yellow onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

Liquids & Sauces

1 3/4 cups chocolate stout (e.g., Young’s Double Chocolate Stout)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing ribs)

Other

1 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Salt and pepper (to season ribs)

Instructions

Season and Sear the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they develop a rich brown crust.
Prepare the Crockpot Base: While searing, turn your 5-quart crockpot to the high setting. Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, minced shallot, and sliced cremini mushrooms to the crockpot, creating a flavorful aromatic base.
Layer Ribs Over Vegetables: Once seared, transfer the ribs from the skillet and arrange them atop the vegetables in the crockpot, making sure they are evenly spread out.
Add Liquids and Chocolate: Pour in the chocolate stout, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce over the ribs and vegetables. Scatter the chopped bittersweet chocolate on top to melt into the sauce as it cooks, enriching the flavor.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours until the ribs are incredibly tender and falling off the bone. The slow cooking melds the flavors and softens the meat beautifully.
Serve: Serve the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with sliced chives and toasted sesame seeds for an appealing finish and extra texture.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality chocolate stout that you enjoy drinking as its flavor will shine in the ribs.
Reserve any leftover sauce from the crockpot and reduce it on the stove for a richer gravy if desired.
If you prefer, slow cook on low for 8 to 9 hours for an even more tender result.
These ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Be sure to trim excess fat from the ribs before cooking for a less greasy dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 short ribs with sauce)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: short ribs, chocolate stout, crockpot recipe, slow cooker beef, hoisin sauce ribs, tender ribs, comfort food