If you’ve been craving fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs that practically melt in your mouth, then you’re in for a treat! These Slow Cooker Beef Ribs are a game-changer—low and slow cooking means they’re juicy, flavorful, and super easy to prepare. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend family meal, these ribs practically cook themselves while you enjoy the day!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Easy: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it.
Tender & Juicy: The slow cooking process gives the beef ribs that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Full of Flavor: A savory, sweet, and slightly smoky glaze makes every bite irresistible.
No Fuss: Minimal prep work, no grilling, and no stress—just throw everything in and let the slow cooker do the magic.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual dinner party, these ribs are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef Ribs
This recipe is simple, and the ingredients come together to make the most delicious ribs.
Beef Ribs: The star of the show! These tender ribs become juicy and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy—this gives the ribs a sticky, delicious glaze.
Soy Sauce: Adds a bit of savory depth and umami to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: For that perfect hint of sweetness that caramelizes while cooking.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: To build layers of flavor in the sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky richness that takes these ribs to the next level.
Black Pepper & Salt: To season the ribs to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make these Slow Cooker Beef Ribs:
Prepare the Ribs: Trim excess fat from the ribs, then season them generously with salt and pepper.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure they’re well-coated.
Cook Low & Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
Finish & Serve: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and brush with additional BBQ sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ribs
These ribs are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to take your meal up a notch:
With Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, buttery mashed potato side is a perfect pairing with these ribs.
Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or zucchini complement the richness of the ribs.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the soft, tender ribs.
Cornbread: Serve with a warm piece of cornbread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Additional Tips
Use Bone-In Ribs: Bone-in ribs provide the most flavor, but boneless ribs will also work.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the time—overcooking can cause the ribs to lose too much texture.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Double the Batch: These ribs freeze well, so make a double batch and store leftovers for an easy meal later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I cook these ribs on high in the slow cooker?
A1: Yes! You can cook them on high for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time, but cooking on low gives the best flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
A2: Absolutely! Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a unique flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can cook them and then reheat them just before serving.
Q5: Can I cook them in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
A5: Yes! Place them on a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and bake at 300°F for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
Q6: Can I use short ribs instead of regular beef ribs?
A6: Yes! Short ribs work great in this recipe. They may need a bit less cooking time.
Q7: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A7: Definitely! You can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge.
Q8: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A8: Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Q9: Can I make these ribs in an Instant Pot?
A9: Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes and let it naturally release.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the ribs?
A10: Yes! Try adding potatoes, onions, or carrots to cook with the ribs for a one-pot meal.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Beef Ribs are a game-changer for anyone looking for a hassle-free, melt-in-your-mouth meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you can have juicy, tender ribs without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in with the family. Enjoy!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Meat & Seafood
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Western
Description
These Slow Cooker Beef Ribs are a melt-in-your-mouth sensation! With the perfect balance of sweetness from honey and tang from Worcestershire sauce, they cook to tender perfection in a slow cooker. Ideal for a hearty meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef short ribs
- Sea salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 cups beef stock (homemade or organic preferred)
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (minced)
Instructions
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large pan, melt the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker. Pour the beef stock over the ribs.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and ground ginger. Pour the mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Cook the ribs on low heat for 6-7 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone.
- Serve the ribs with your favorite sides and drizzle with the cooking sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust seasoning levels and ingredients based on your preferences.
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of the recipe)
- Calories: 663 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 160mg