BBQ Crockpot Beef Ribs
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If you're after deeply rich and savory, fall-of-the-bone tender crockpot beef ribs, this is the recipe you want to make!
The low and slow cooking method of crockpots is perfect for deep and rich beefy flavors! Make this crockpot beef stew next.
Impress your family and guests with these crockpot beef ribs!
Beef ribs are coated with a blend of smoky paprika, savory garlic powder and onion powder, aromatic oregano, and a subtle kick from black pepper before they're put in the crockpot and slathered with barbecue sauce. The fibers slowly break down for the most tender meat, before it's finished off with a quick broil to caramelize the sauce.
6 reasons why I love crockpot beef ribs:
- After ten hours of low and slow cooking, these babies are fall off the bone, melt-in-your mouth tender.
- All you need is a simple spice rub and your favorite BBQ sauce. The flavors meld and develop over the long cooking process to become delectable.
- Flashing them under the broiler at the end caramelizes the BBQ sauce, making it sticky, glazy, and all sorts of irresistible.
- I LOVE it when a recipe that's this full of flavor is also this easy. When you slow cook beef ribs in crockpot, it does the work for you!
- This dish is easy enough to make at the start of a busy day, yet impressive enough to serve while entertaining guests.
- This cooking method achieves delicious ribs without the need for grilling, so you can enjoy it year-round!
What BBQ sauce to use for slow cooker beef ribs?
The truth is, beef that's slow cooked in any BBQ sauce is going to taste amazing!.We've experimented with these beef back ribs with many different homemade or store-bought BBQ sauces, and they always turn out great. If you have a favorite BBQ sauce, use that one! Here are some of our top picks:
- Homemade: This chocolate BBQ sauce or this bourbon BBQ sauce are both delicious, or make the our BBQ sauce for chicken or BBQ sauce for pork (they're both great with this recipe, too!)
- Paleo: Date Lady makes a BBQ sauce that's sweetened with dates.
- Super spicy: Crazy Mooskies makes a super hot (and no sugar added) BBQ sauce.
- No sugar added: G Huges Smokehouse Sugar Free BBQ Sauce.
- Gluten-free: Daddy Sam's makes a tasty and gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Popular: We all know that Sweet Baby Ray's is always a solid option.
Frequently asked questions about this recipe
Do you have a question that we haven't answered below? No worries! Leave a comment, and we will respond as soon as possible!
What ribs do I use for slow cooking?
For slow cooking, you'll want ribs with a decent amount of meat and connective tissue. So, for our beef ribs in a crockpot recipe, look for cuts labeled as beef back ribs or beef short ribs. Both of these are well-suited for slow cooking methods. Beef plate ribs, also referred to as dinosaur ribs or spare ribs, work well for slow cooking, too.
You may also have heard of beef chuck ribs. Because they have less marbling, they're less suitable for slow cooking.
How do I store leftover slow cooker beef short ribs?
If you have crockpot beef ribs leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze t them in a freezer-proof container for up to three months.
What to serve with slow cooker beef short ribs?
Enjoy your slow cooker beef ribs with a variety of sides – keep it simple and make a side salad, like a bacon kale caesar salad or a broccoli coleslaw.
Or serve them with some vegetables to round out the meal. Pop your crockpot beef ribs on top of a bed of garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. Then, scoop up some apple pie baked beans, spicy honey roasted carrots, or some sauteed green beans to complete the meal.
Can you cook ribs in a slow cooker without liquid?
You can, but this particular crockpot beef ribs recipe uses barbecue sauce as the liquid element. The slow cooker's heat is gentle enough to cook the beef without burning it, and the beef will also release liquid as it cooks. So, your beef ribs are self-braising without the need to add beef broth!
Can you recommend another beef recipe to try next?
Yes, try this beef tips and rice recipe!
Watch how to make crockpot beef ribs
BBQ Crockpot Beef Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt
- 8 beef back ribs
- 1 cup bbq sauce (divided – see notes)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt.1 tablespoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt
- Sprinkle the spices evenly over both sides of the ribs.8 beef back ribs
- Place the ribs into your slow cooker, pour ¾ cup of the BBQ sauce over the ribs, and set your slow cooker for 10 hours on low.
- When the ribs have finished cooking, preheat your oven to broil with a rack in the top third of the oven. Carefully remove the ribs (they will be tender!) from your slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Baste one side with the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce then broil them for 5-6 minutes, until the BBQ sauce is bubbling and starts to caramelize and smell extra sweet.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and serve right away.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
So good! I used short beef ribs and they were excellent. Followed recipe exactly.
These ribs were incredible! Served them with some green beans and carrots and they were the hit for sure. Thank you!
I can’t wait to try these! I love that you include ideas for side dishes. I always have a hard time trying to figure out what to pair with some dishes, so your suggestions are really great!
Thanks, Adrianne! I hear you on putting together a menu. It can be tough!