Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs are a true treat for meat lovers! These tender ribs cook slowly in a rich barbecue sauce, soaking up all that flavor while becoming melt-in-your-mouth good.
Making these ribs is a breeze—just toss them in the crockpot, add your favorite sauce, and let it do its magic. I love serving them with coleslaw for a crunchy side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: This is the star ingredient. They’re perfect for slow cooking since they become tender and juicy. If short ribs are hard to find, you can use beef back ribs which are also great!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider a sugar-free variety or a homemade sauce using natural ingredients. I love a bit of heat, so I choose spicy BBQ sauce!
Beef Broth: It adds richness to the dish. You can swap it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor. If you want to keep it simple, just use water, but the broth really enhances the taste.
Onion and Garlic: These add delicious layers of flavor. For a sweeter touch, yellow or sweet onions work best. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder is a good substitute—just use about 1/2 tsp per clove.
How Do I Get the Ribs Extra Tender?
To ensure your ribs are incredibly tender, cook them low and slow. The long cooking time in the crockpot breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. Here are some tips for success:
- Make sure to start with a good seasoning. It adds flavor right from the beginning.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking, as this lets heat escape.
- If you have time, let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute.
These simple techniques guarantee juicy, flavorful BBQ beef ribs that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!
Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3-4 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For Flavoring:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey for added sweetness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Once you set everything in the crockpot, it will cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The wait is worth it for those tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Ribs:
Start by seasoning the beef ribs evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This will enhance the flavors of the meat and give it a delicious, smoky taste.
2. Prepare the Base:
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a flavorful base for the ribs to cook on.
3. Add the Ribs:
Now, arrange the seasoned beef ribs on top of the onion and garlic layer. Make sure they are stacked nicely without overlapping too much, so they cook evenly.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and the optional brown sugar or honey. This will create a tasty sauce that will soak into the ribs as they cook.
5. Coat the Ribs:
Pour that delicious barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. This is what will make the ribs juicy and full of flavor!
6. Cook the Ribs:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they’ll be! Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time.
7. Serve the Ribs:
Once the ribs are cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the crockpot and place them on a serving dish. Be gentle—they’ll be very soft!
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, transfer the leftover liquid from the crockpot to a saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
9. Add Sauce and Enjoy:
Spoon the thickened barbecue sauce over the ribs before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
10. Pair with Sides:
Serve the ribs hot, ideally with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. They make for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef Instead of Short Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use beef back ribs or even chuck roast if short ribs are not available. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can simply use water, but beef broth enhances the flavor significantly. If you have other broth options, like chicken or vegetable broth, those will also work!
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Sauce?
Yes! If you want a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether. For added heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue mixture.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. For best results, add a splash of barbecue sauce during reheating to keep them moist!