Description
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are incredibly tender. Learn my easy recipe for smoky, juicy ribs that make weeknights special and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 3–4 pounds beef back ribs
- Flavorful Rub & Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Sauce & Liquid Base:
- ½ cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Finishing Touch:
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Ribs:: First things first, pat those ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick, and honestly, it just makes things less messy. If there’s a membrane on the back, I usually try to peel it off – it makes for way more tender ribs, though I’ve definitely forgotten a time or two and they were still good, just a little chewier.
- Make the Rub:: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your fingers and really combine it. The smell of this rub alone gets me excited for the Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs to come!
- Season Generously:: Now, rub that glorious spice mixture all over the ribs. Don’t be shy! Get it into every nook and cranny. This is where the flavor really builds, so take your time. I usually do this on a big cutting board, and yes, it gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun, right?
- Slow Cooker Ribs Assembly:: Pour the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, standing them up on their sides if you need to, or cut them into smaller sections to fit. This ensures they’re mostly submerged in that flavorful liquid.
- Cook ‘Em Low & Slow:: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and practically falling off the bone. Honestly, the longer on low, the better. I love walking in the door to that amazing aroma!
- Finish with BBQ Sauce:: Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a baking sheet. Discard the cooking liquid (or save a bit for a saucy side, I won’t tell!). Brush both sides of the ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Pop them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch them closely, they can burn fast! This step gives these Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs that irresistible sticky finish.