Rich, tender, and bursting with smoky-sweet flavors, these Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are the epitome of comfort food. Perfectly suited for family dinners, game-day feasts, or any occasion where you crave finger-licking goodness, this recipe allows you to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
Set-It-and-Forget-It: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring the ribs are perfectly cooked with minimal hands-on time.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: A blend of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients that infuses the ribs with robust flavor.
Tender Texture: The low-and-slow cooking process ensures the beef ribs are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or tanginess to suit your personal preferences.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients for the Barbequed Beef Ribs
1 cup water: Helps create the base for the sauce and keeps the ribs moist.
1 cup ketchup: Provides sweetness and a tomato base for the barbeque sauce.
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
¾ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce while enhancing its caramel-like flavor.
½ cup vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a tangy kick.
2 tablespoons prepared mustard: Adds a hint of sharpness and tang.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a smoky undertone to the sauce.
4 pounds beef ribs: Meaty and perfect for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine water, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Prep the Beef Ribs
Trim any excess fat from the beef ribs.
Optionally, season the ribs lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker, placing them in a single layer if possible.
Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Check the ribs occasionally, gently stirring the sauce to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ribs are tender and falling off the bone, remove them from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
Drizzle with additional sauce from the slow cooker and serve warm.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Choose Meaty Ribs: Look for ribs with a good ratio of meat to bone for maximum satisfaction.
Pre-Browning Optional: For added flavor, sear the ribs in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
Enhance the Sauce: Add a dash of liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, or your favorite hot sauce to customize the BBQ sauce.
Keep the Lid Closed: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.
Thicken the Sauce: If the BBQ sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan after cooking and simmer until thickened.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Classic BBQ Plate: Serve the ribs with traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad.
Game Day Spread: Pair the ribs with crispy fries, onion rings, and a cold beverage for a crowd-pleasing feast.
Comfort Meal: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Portion Size: Plan for 2-3 ribs per person, depending on the size of the ribs and appetite.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Accompaniments: Offer additional BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or a vinegar-based dipping sauce on the side.
Time and Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Total Time: ~10 hours (low) or ~6 hours (high)
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: ~45g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~35g
- Sodium: ~900mg
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are the perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and bold, smoky-sweet flavors. This recipe brings the essence of a backyard BBQ right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday meal, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, these ribs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food, and don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand! 😊