Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs
These Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce. Slow cooking allows the beef ribs to become wonderfully tender while soaking up all the savory barbecue flavor. Finish them under the broiler for beautifully caramelized edges.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) beef back ribs or short ribs
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels.
If your ribs have a thick membrane on the bone side, carefully remove it with a knife and paper towel for a more tender result.
2. Season the Beef
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
Rub the seasoning mixture generously over all sides of the ribs.
3. Optional: Sear the Ribs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.
This step is optional but adds extra depth of flavor.
4. Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned ribs into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour about two-thirds of the BBQ sauce mixture over the ribs, turning them gently so they’re coated.
Reserve the remaining sauce for finishing.
6. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 7–8 hours, or
- HIGH for 4–5 hours
The ribs should be very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
7. Caramelize the Ribs
Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
Brush generously with the reserved BBQ sauce.
Place under a high broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Brush with a little more BBQ sauce if desired.
Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Recipe Tips
- Beef back ribs and short ribs both work well, although cooking times can vary by cut and size.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; the ribs should fit comfortably.
- The broiling step is optional but gives the ribs a delicious sticky, caramelized exterior.
- Avoid repeatedly opening the slow cooker because heat escapes and cooking time increases.
- Check tenderness rather than relying only on the clock.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Prep & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW
Servings: 4–6
Meta Description
Make tender Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs coated in smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and spices. Finish under the broiler for sticky caramelized edges.