Finger-Licking Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs Recipe

Mesmerizing slow cooker barbequed beef ribs promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Tender meat falls right off the bone, melting in your mouth with rich, smoky goodness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this incredibly simple method.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction when you let your slow cooker work its magic.

Zero complicated techniques stand between you and restaurant-quality ribs straight from your kitchen.

Hungry guests will be impressed by these mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned delicacies that practically cook themselves.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this foolproof culinary triumph.

What Makes Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs So Tender

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms tough beef ribs into incredibly soft, succulent meat that literally falls off the bone with minimal effort.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Simply season the ribs, mix the sauce, and let the slow cooker work its culinary wonder while you enjoy your day without constant kitchen monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and rich beef creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for weekend gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping, these ribs can be easily scaled up and enjoyed throughout the week with minimal additional preparation.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs Ingredient Mix

• Beef Ribs: Tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking, choose well-marbled ribs for maximum richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: Classic seasoning mix that adds depth and warmth to the meat, ensures robust flavor profile.

• Barbecue Sauce, Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Harmonious combination creates a tangy, sweet, and rich sauce that tenderizes and enhances the meat's natural flavors, store-bought or homemade sauce works well.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

• Coleslaw, Cornbread: Traditional accompaniments that complement the rich, savory ribs, provide textural contrast and balance to the meal.

Barbequed Beef Ribs Slow Cooker Directions

Step 1: Seasoning the Meat

Massage the beef ribs with a powerful blend of spices.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder

Rub the seasonings deeply into every crevice of the meat, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Positioning Ribs in Slow Cooker

Stand the seasoned ribs vertically inside the slow cooker.

Position them with meaty sides facing outward to guarantee even cooking and optimal tenderness.

Step 3: Creating Mouthwatering Sauce

Whisk together a flavor-packed sauce in a mixing bowl.

• Barbecue sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs.

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and practically falls off the bone.

Step 5: Caramelizing the Exterior

Activate the oven broiler.

Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.

Brush with extra barbecue sauce.

Broil for 3–5 minutes until the surface develops a beautiful, slightly crispy caramelized coating.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Plate the ribs while piping hot.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve alongside classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw or warm cornbread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs Tricks

• Rub the spice mixture into the ribs thoroughly to ensure deep flavor penetration before slow cooking.
• Use low-sodium barbecue sauce to avoid scorching and maintain a balanced taste during the long cooking process.
• Remove visible silver skin from ribs before seasoning to help break down connective tissues and achieve melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Trim excess fat from ribs to reduce greasiness while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Pat ribs dry with paper towels before broiling to help the barbecue sauce create a crispy, glossy exterior.

Barbequed Beef Ribs: Storage and Reheating Guide

• Store leftover ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap ribs tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Preheat oven to 250°F, place ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent drying out.

Best Sides for BBQ Beef Ribs

• Craft a Bold Red Wine Combo: Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly match the rich, smoky meat flavors with their robust tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Fire Up a Crisp Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the fatty richness of the ribs and complement the smoky barbecue sauce.
• Create a Southern-Style Side Symphony: Pair with creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and buttery cornbread to balance the deep meat flavors and provide textural contrast.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbal Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the ribs to add a bright, clean note that lifts the heavy meat's intensity.

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs with Simple Changes

• Spicy Chipotle Variation: Replace barbecue sauce with chipotle-infused sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Pair with gluten-free cornbread or rice.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap brown sugar with sugar-free sweetener. Choose a low-carb barbecue sauce and serve with cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides.
• Herb-Infused Alternative: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the seasoning mix. Use herb-flavored broth for deeper aromatic complexity.

FAQs

• Why use a slow cooker for beef ribs?

Slow cookers help break down tough meat fibers, making ribs incredibly tender and flavorful by cooking them low and slow. This method ensures the meat becomes soft and falls right off the bone without drying out.

• Can I use different types of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork ribs or beef back ribs instead of beef short ribs. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the meat’s thickness and type. The seasoning and sauce will work great with various rib cuts.

• Do I need to trim the ribs before cooking?

It’s recommended to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning. This helps the seasonings penetrate the meat better and makes the ribs more tender when eating. Use a knife to lift the membrane and pull it off completely.

• How can I make the ribs less fatty?

Trim excess visible fat before cooking, and let the cooked ribs rest on a paper towel to absorb extra grease. You can also skim the fat from the cooking liquid before serving for a leaner dish.

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Juicy slow cooker barbequed beef ribs deliver mouthwatering Southern comfort straight to your dinner table. Tender meat falls off the bone, glazed with smoky-sweet sauce that promises a delicious home-cooked meal for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 3.4 kilograms (7.5 pounds) beef back ribs, trimmed of excess fat

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend by combining salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Thoroughly massage this aromatic mixture into the beef ribs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Strategically position the seasoned ribs vertically inside the slow cooker, allowing the meatiest portions to face outward, promoting uniform heat distribution and optimal cooking.
3. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until smoothly integrated and well-blended.
4. Cascade the prepared sauce evenly over the ribs, guaranteeing each piece receives comprehensive flavor infusion.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and initiate the cooking process. For tender, succulent ribs, select low temperature for 7–8 hours or high temperature for 4–5 hours, monitoring until meat becomes delightfully tender and nearly separating from the bone.
6. For enhanced caramelization, transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Activate the oven’s broiler and generously brush additional barbecue sauce onto the meat’s surface.
7. Broil the ribs for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a glossy, slightly charred exterior without burning.
8. Present the ribs immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley. Complement the dish with classic southern accompaniments like tangy coleslaw or warm cornbread.

Notes

• Arrange ribs vertically in the slow cooker to maximize meat exposure and ensure even heat distribution for perfectly tender results.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting ratios or adding smoked chipotle powder for extra depth and subtle heat that elevates the BBQ flavor profile.
• Opt for low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt content, making the dish more heart-friendly without compromising rich, robust taste.
• Transform recipe for dietary needs by substituting beef ribs with portobello mushrooms or plant-based ribs for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains similar texture and smoky essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (Slow Cooker)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg