Description
These slow cooker barbequed beef ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, savory flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe uses a simple dry rub and rich homemade BBQ sauce to create fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ribs:
- 3–5 lbs beef back ribs or short ribs
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Trim excess fat from the ribs and remove the membrane.
- Pat dry with a paper towel and generously coat with the spice rub. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Make the BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, mix all the sauce ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker:
- Add 1/4 cup water or beef broth to the slow cooker base. Arrange the ribs in layers, bone side down.
- Cook the Ribs:
- Pour half the BBQ sauce over the ribs. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.
- Finish and Broil:
- Preheat the broiler. Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: Prep the ribs and BBQ sauce a day before for quicker assembly.
- Customizations: Add honey for sweetness, or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
- Substitutions: Pork ribs can be used instead of beef ribs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Keywords: beef rib, slow cooker beef ribs, bbq beef, homemade bbq sauce, tender ribs