Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs

by

Introducton:

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs recipe. Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker recipe transforms tender beef ribs into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone dish coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or casual weekend meals, these beef ribs are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy deliciously seasoned and saucy ribs with minimal effort!

Ingredients:

  • Beef Ribs: 2 to 3 pounds of beef ribs, trimmed
  • Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
  • Dry Rub:
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra moisture)
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for searing, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ribs:
    • Trim any excess fat from the beef ribs. For extra flavor, you can sear the ribs in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub:
    • In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the beef ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
  3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
    • Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned ribs on top.
  4. Add Barbecue Sauce:
    • Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs. If desired, add beef broth to ensure the ribs stay moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
  5. Cook:
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
  6. Serve:
    • Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. You can thicken the sauce if desired by simmering it on the stove for a few minutes. Brush extra barbecue sauce over the ribs before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs:

Serving Tips:

  1. Rest the Ribs: After removing the ribs from the slow cooker, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and easier to slice.
  2. Serve with Extra Sauce: Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce before serving to enhance their flavor. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
  3. Pair with Sides: These tender beef ribs go well with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. They also pair nicely with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
  4. Garnish: For added flavor and presentation, garnish the ribs with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
  5. Keep Warm: If serving at a gathering or party, keep the ribs warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting or in a covered dish in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 93°C).

Storage Tips:

  1. Cool and Store: Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the texture and flavor of the meat.
  2. Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover ribs and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs. Place the cooled ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
  4. Reheating: Reheat the ribs in the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), place the ribs in a covered dish, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat the ribs in the slow cooker on the “low” setting for about 1-2 hours.
  5. Microwave Reheating: If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

    Variations for Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs:

    1. Spicy BBQ Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for extra heat. You can also incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix.
    • Instructions: Mix the additional spices into the barbecue sauce before adding it to the ribs in the slow cooker.

    2. Sweet and Tangy Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and a splash of apple cider vinegar into the barbecue sauce.
    • Instructions: Combine these ingredients with your barbecue sauce before pouring it over the ribs in the slow cooker.

    3. Asian-Inspired Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Replace the barbecue sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy flavor.
    • Instructions: Combine these ingredients and use them to coat the ribs before cooking.

    4. Smoky BBQ Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
    • Instructions: Stir these ingredients into the barbecue sauce before using it with the ribs.

    5. Herb-Infused Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the seasoning mix or barbecue sauce.
    • Instructions: Add the herbs to the sauce or rub them onto the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker.

    6. Honey Garlic Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Use a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of sesame oil.
    • Instructions: Mix these ingredients and pour over the ribs in the slow cooker for a sweet and savory flavor.

    7. Bourbon BBQ Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Add a splash of bourbon to the barbecue sauce for a rich, deep flavor.
    • Instructions: Stir bourbon into the barbecue sauce before applying it to the ribs.

    8. Citrus BBQ Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Add fresh lime or lemon juice and zest to the barbecue sauce for a zesty twist.
    • Instructions: Mix citrus juice and zest into the barbecue sauce before using it in the slow cooker.

    9. Mediterranean Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Use a marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and rosemary.
    • Instructions: Marinate the ribs in this mixture for a few hours before cooking in the slow cooker.

    10. Pineapple BBQ Ribs:

    • Ingredients: Add crushed pineapple to the barbecue sauce for a tropical flavor.
    • Instructions: Stir crushed pineapple into the barbecue sauce and use it to coat the ribs.

Conclusion:

Our Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs recipe is the perfect solution for a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy ribs coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these ribs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the delight of barbecue flavors right at home!

FAQ’s About Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs:

1. Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?

  • Yes, you can use baby back ribs. They are generally more tender and cook more quickly than spare ribs. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.

2. Do I need to brown the ribs before putting them in the slow cooker?

  • Browning the ribs is optional but recommended. It adds extra flavor and helps develop a richer color and texture.

3. Can I cook the ribs on low or high heat in the slow cooker?

  • You can cook the ribs on either low or high heat. For best results, cook them on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. How do I know when the ribs are done?

  • The ribs are done when they are tender and the meat is easily pulled away from the bone. You can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

5. Can I make the barbecue sauce from scratch?

  • Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce can enhance the flavor of your ribs. You can find various recipes for barbecue sauce that include ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, honey, and spices.

6. Can I prepare the ribs ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can season and marinate the ribs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

7. How can I make the ribs crispy if I like them that way?

  • To achieve a crispy exterior, broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes after they are done cooking in the slow cooker. Brush with additional barbecue sauce before broiling.

8. Can I freeze the cooked ribs?

  • Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. How can I reheat the leftover ribs?

  • Reheat leftover ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain their texture better.

10. What sides go well with barbequed beef ribs?

  • Some great side dishes to serve with barbequed beef ribs include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Leave a Comment