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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3–4 lbs beef back ribs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Season the beef ribs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using).
- Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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