Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs

by

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs

Description

These Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Slowly cooked for hours in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, the beef ribs absorb deep flavor while staying incredibly moist. This recipe is perfect for busy days, casual family dinners, or when you want bold barbecue flavor without firing up the grill.

Servings

  • Serves: 4

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 3–3½ lbs beef ribs (short ribs or back ribs)

  • 1½ cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ribs
    Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

  2. Optional Sear (Highly Recommended)
    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This adds extra depth of flavor.

  3. Layer the Slow Cooker
    Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the ribs on top.

  4. Make the Sauce
    In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne (if using).

  5. Cook Low and Slow
    Pour sauce over ribs, coating them well.

    • Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or

    • HIGH for 4–5 hours, until meat is tender.

  6. Optional Finish (Sticky BBQ Style)
    Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.

  7. Serve
    Spoon extra sauce from the slow cooker over the ribs and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

  • Beef ribs are naturally fattier, which makes them ideal for slow cooking.

  • Removing the membrane from the back of ribs improves tenderness.

  • Sauce will thin during cooking—broiling helps thicken and caramelize it.

Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—stack ribs neatly if needed.

  • For smokier flavor, add ½ tsp liquid smoke.

  • If sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop for 10 minutes before serving.

  • Use bone-in ribs for maximum flavor and moisture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 520 kcal

  • Protein: 38 g

  • Fat: 36 g

  • Saturated Fat: 14 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18 g

  • Sugar: 14 g

  • Sodium: 820 mg

(Values vary based on BBQ sauce and rib cut.)

Health Benefits

  • High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair

  • Rich in iron and zinc, important for energy and immunity

  • Slow cooking helps retain nutrients while improving digestibility

  • Can be adapted to low-sugar or keto BBQ sauces

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen beef ribs?
A: It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and food safety.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store cooked ribs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or slow cooker.

Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: A smoky or hickory-style sauce works best, but sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based sauces all work.

Q: Can I cook this without searing?
A: Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and color.

Q: What sides go well with BBQ beef ribs?
A: Coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.

Leave a Comment