There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky taste of barbequed beef ribs — but spending hours over the grill isn’t always practical. With this Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs recipe, you can enjoy tender, juicy ribs that melt in your mouth, all with minimal effort.
The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming tough beef ribs into succulent perfection. Smothered in a tangy, homemade barbecue sauce, these ribs are the ultimate comfort food — perfect for weeknights, backyard gatherings, or anytime you crave authentic BBQ flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
For the Ribs:
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) beef short ribs or back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
- 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses or honey
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for authentic smoky flavor)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6–8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
- Total time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Ribs
- Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels.
- Rub them all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear ribs for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned. This locks in flavor and adds a rich crust.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, and liquid smoke.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Place seared ribs into the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the ribs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Optional: Transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Serve hot with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn on the cob for a classic BBQ meal.
- Pair with coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
- Add a side of buttermilk cornbread to soak up the extra sauce.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx. 2 ribs) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 34 grams |
| Total Fat | 30 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Sugars | 16 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 620 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Beef ribs are rich in protein, iron, and zinc — key for energy and muscle repair.
- The slow cooking method allows excess fat to render, resulting in tender yet lighter meat.
- Using homemade barbecue sauce reduces sodium and processed sugar compared to store-bought options.
Tips for Perfect Ribs
- For deeper flavor, marinate ribs overnight in the sauce before cooking.
- Remove any silverskin membrane from the ribs for better texture.
- Use liquid smoke sparingly — it’s potent but enhances authentic BBQ depth.
- For a smoky twist, finish the cooked ribs on the grill for 5 minutes per side.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
- Sweet and Tangy: Substitute molasses with maple syrup or pineapple juice for tropical sweetness.
- Smoky Bourbon Ribs: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a deep, aromatic flavor.
These Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs deliver everything you love about classic BBQ — rich, smoky flavors, fall-off-the-bone tenderness, and a finger-licking sauce — all with a fraction of the effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts, this recipe proves that great barbecue doesn’t have to come from the grill. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on the irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and savory goodness.