These slow cooker Catalina beef ribs are the kind of easy weekend meal that feels a little special without asking much from the cook. Using just four ingredients, this recipe leans on bottled Catalina dressing for sweet-tangy flavor while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning beef short ribs into a rich, comforting dinner that tastes like you fussed far more than you really did.
Serve these saucy ribs over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to catch every bit of the cooking juices. For a full family-style meal, add a simple green salad, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or warm dinner rolls, and if you want something bright on the table, a little coleslaw balances the richness nicely.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Catalina Beef Ribs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 pounds frozen beef short ribs
1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina dressing
1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Place the frozen beef short ribs in the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer as much as possible.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the ribs, then drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce.
3. Pour the Catalina dressing over the top, covering the ribs as evenly as you can.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
5. Carefully transfer the ribs to a serving platter or plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra savory flavor: Add 1 cup sliced onions under the ribs before cooking. They soften into the sauce and make the whole dish taste a little richer.
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a milder sauce, stir 2 to 4 tablespoons of ketchup into the Catalina dressing before pouring it over the ribs. It softens the tang and makes the flavor a touch sweeter.
To thicken the sauce: Remove the cooked ribs, then whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Safety note: For best food safety, many slow cooker manufacturers and food safety guidelines recommend thawing meat before slow cooking rather than starting with frozen ribs. If you choose to begin with frozen ribs, make sure the beef cooks fully until tender and reaches a safe serving temperature.