Go Back
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Catherine

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs

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.  
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 -6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American BBQ
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:
  • 3-5 lbs beef back ribs or short ribs
  • 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat

Method
 

Prepare the Ribs:
  1. Trim excess fat from the ribs and remove the membrane.
  2. Pat dry with a paper towel and generously coat with the spice rub. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Make the BBQ Sauce:
  1. In a medium saucepan, mix all the sauce ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Set Up the Slow Cooker:
  1. Add ¼ cup water or beef broth to the slow cooker base. Arrange the ribs in layers, bone side down.
Cook the Ribs:
  1. 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:
  1. 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.