Ingredients:
For the Bourbon Short Ribs:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
For the Cheesy Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits)
- 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
For the Bourbon Short Ribs:
- Sear the short ribs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the short ribs to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another 2 minutes. Pour in the bourbon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the bourbon cook down for 2–3 minutes.
- Slow cook:
- Transfer the onion, garlic, and bourbon mixture to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the ribs are fall-apart tender.
- Optional – Thicken the sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the short ribs from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
For the Cheesy Grits:
- Cook the grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook according to package instructions (about 20–30 minutes for stone-ground grits, 5–7 minutes for quick-cooking), stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese and butter:
- Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir until smooth and creamy.
Serve:
- Plate a generous portion of cheesy grits, top with the tender short ribs, and spoon some of the bourbon sauce over the top. Serve with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute with red wine or skip it entirely for a milder flavor.
- For extra flavor, marinate the short ribs in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Leftovers keep well and the flavors deepen the next day.
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of these Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits!