Description
These Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are the ultimate comfort food. Tender, juicy ribs coated in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ribs:
- 3–4 lbs beef ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Barbecue Sauce (if homemade):
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
If the ribs have a membrane on the back, remove it by sliding a knife underneath and pulling it off. Cut the ribs into sections of 2-3 ribs each for easier handling. - Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, making sure they are well-coated. - Slow Cook the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker, bone-side down. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones. - Prepare the Barbecue Sauce (if homemade):
While the ribs are cooking, make the barbecue sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat. - Finish the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a grill or under the broiler. Brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more sauce, until the ribs are caramelized and slightly charred. - Serve:
Once done, remove from the grill or broiler, let rest for a few minutes, then slice between the bones. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, increase the brown sugar in the homemade sauce or use a sweeter store-bought version.
- For added flavor, marinate the ribs in the dry rub overnight before slow cooking.
- If you don’t have a grill or broiler, you can also finish the ribs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (in the slow cooker) + 5-10 minutes (grilling or broiling)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg