Nothing says “summer” like a plate of tender short ribs. Our Short Ribs Freezer Meal Recipe is a comfort food classic – perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week. Tender, succulent beef is slow-cooked to perfection, infused with the flavors of tomato, garlic, and pancetta. It’s a hearty dish that will leave both you and yours coming back for more.
A good dinner typically requires a lot of time and effort, but not this one. After gathering the ingredients, you simply put them in a gallon freezer bag and store it in your freezer until you need it. After a brief thaw, the ingredients spend the day mingling in the slow cooker. By the time dinner time rolls around, you’ll have the most scrumptious meal prepared for your family and your to-do list will be completely checked off. What’s not to love?
It really is as easy as it sounds. Let’s prep it together so you can see, and enjoy it, for yourself!
Why You’ll Love this Short Ribs Freezer Meal
- Time-saving: Make this in advance and save precious time on busy weeknights or weekends.
- Kid-Friendly: The rich savory flavors are a hit with kids, and the tender meat seals the deal.
- Consistent Results: This recipe is reliable, which means it turns out delicious every time.
Short Ribs Freezer Meal Recipe
Our Short Ribs Freezer Meal Recipe is a comfort food classic – a perfect cozy family dinner any night of the week. Tender, succulent beef is slow-cooked to perfection, melding the flavors of tomato, garlic, and pancetta. Its a hearty dish that will leave both you and yours coming back for seconds…every time.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker
- 4 Thick Cut Meaty Beef Short Ribs
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Beef stock 2 cans beef broth
- 1/2 cup Pancetta diced
- 6 oz Mushrooms trimmed and halved
- 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Prep/Freezer Directions:Label a gallon freezer bag, according to your preferred labeling method.
Cook pancetta until crispy.
Add all ingredients, except beef stock, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking DirectionsThaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed, but that is okay).
Add contents of the freezer bag, plus 4 cups of beef stock, to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Remove the beef, stir the sauce, then serve sauce on the side or drizzle over beef just before serving.
Keyword Crockpot Ribs, Ribs freezer meal, Ribs recipe, Short Ribs Freezer Meal, Short Ribs Recipe
Equipment Needed to make Easy Freezer Short Ribs Recipe
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients for your Short Ribs Freezer Recipe
- 4 Thick Cut Meaty Beef Short Ribs
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Beef stock, 2 cans beef broth
- 1/2 cup Pancetta, diced
- 6 oz Mushrooms, trimmed and halved
- 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
How to Make a Short Ribs Freezer Meal Recipe
Prep/Freezer Directions:
- Label a gallon freezer bag, according to your preferred labeling method.
- Cook pancetta until crispy.
- Add all ingredients, except beef stock, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed, but that is okay).
- Add contents of the freezer bag, plus 4 cups of beef stock, to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove the beef, stir the sauce, then serve sauce on the side or drizzle over beef just before serving.
What to Pair with your Make-Ahead Short Ribs
Sides:
Desserts:
Mocktails:
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Pork Ribs: Pork ribs are a great alternative to beef short ribs – just swap out the 4 beef short ribs for 4 thick-cut pork ribs.
- Bacon: Replace the diced pancetta with an equal amount of diced bacon. Bacon brings a similar smoky flavor and crunch to the dish.
Additions:
- Frozen Carrots: Carrots will enhance the flavor profile and add a touch of sweetness, which will complement the richness of the short ribs well. Add 2 cups of frozen carrots to this recipe if desired.
- Frozen Pearl Onions: Adding one cup of frozen pearl onions will bring a sweet flavor to this recipe.
How to Reheat and Store Short Ribs Freezer Recipe
Best Way To Store Best Freezer Short Ribs Recipe Leftover?
If you have leftovers, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to allow your ribs to cool to room temperature before placing them in a storage device. This will help keep your beef fresh during storage.
How Long Will Short Ribs Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, and allowed to cool to room temperature, your short ribs will last in the refrigerator for three to five days. Always make sure you check for spoilage before reheating!
Can I Freeze Freezer-Friendly Short Ribs?
We freeze recipes raw and cook from frozen because it is convenient and produces the freshest meals. While it is safe to freeze these ribs after cooking, it is not advisable. The flavor and texture will diminish when you thaw them and reheat, so we recommend eating any leftovers within the recommended three to five day time frame. The more times a meal is cooked, frozen, thawed, and reheated, the more likely your meal will lose its flavor and texture!
How To Reheat Braised Short Ribs Freezer Meal?
Braised Short Ribs Freezer Meal is re-heatable in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Our preferred reheating method is in the oven, where the ribs can reheat evenly. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350, then reheat for 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs Freezer Meal FAQs
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