If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs packed with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor, this slow cooker recipe is a must-try. Using a slow cooker ensures that the ribs cook low and slow, making them irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these ribs require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The slow cooker does all the work for perfectly tender ribs.
Packed with smoky, tangy, and sweet barbecue flavors.
Perfect for a no-fuss meal that feels special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Beef back ribs or short ribs
Your favorite barbecue sauce
Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Liquid smoke (optional for extra smokiness)

The full list of ingredients and measurements is listed below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Rinse the beef ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the silver skin on the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been done.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the ribs, ensuring they’re well coated.

Step 3: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of liquid smoke or a small amount of water or beef broth to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Barbecue Sauce

Pour about half of the barbecue sauce over the ribs, reserving the rest for serving or basting later.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 6: Finish with a Broil (Optional)

For a caramelized finish, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush them with more barbecue sauce, and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the ribs hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite accompaniments.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Choose the right ribs: Beef back ribs or short ribs work best for this recipe. Short ribs are meatier, while back ribs are more traditional.
Layer the flavor: Use your favorite spice rub and barbecue sauce to make the ribs uniquely yours.
Don’t skip the broiling step: It adds a delicious caramelized crust to the ribs.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use pork ribs instead of beef if that’s your preference.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Try a spicy barbecue sauce or add cayenne pepper to the rub for a kick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these slow cooker barbecue ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or a crisp green salad. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer are perfect pairings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven provides better results.

FAQs

Q1: Can I cook the ribs on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook them on high for 3–4 hours, but cooking them on low yields more tender results.

Q2: Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste.

Q3: Do I need to brown the ribs before slow cooking?
It’s not necessary, but browning the ribs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker can add extra depth of flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover ribs?
Yes, freeze leftover ribs in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Ready to dig in? Let’s fire up that slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy and tender beef ribs slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for a comforting family dinner or a backyard gathering.

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs:
1. Season the beef ribs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using).
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
1. Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them up on their edges with the meaty side facing outward for even cooking.
Mix the Sauce:
1. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs.
Cook the Ribs:
1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and fall off the bone.
Optional Step for Caramelization:
1. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush them with additional barbecue sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
Serve:
1. Serve the ribs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce mixture.
Beef ribs can vary in size; adjust cooking times as needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 520
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 125mg