Ohhh YES — Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are what dreams are made of: fall-off-the-bone tender, deeply flavorful, and smothered in sweet, smoky BBQ sauce. Low effort, high reward. Perfect for lazy weekends, game day, or any time you want your kitchen smelling like magic.
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Ingredients:
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3–4 lbs beef back ribs or short ribs
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1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional, for a kick)
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1 ½ to 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ribs:
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Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
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Remove silver skin if present (a thin membrane on the underside — it helps with tenderness).
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Rub ribs generously with the spice mix (paprika, garlic powder, etc.).
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Optional Sear (Flavor Boost!):
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Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
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Totally optional, but it adds amazing flavor.
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Slow Cook:
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Place ribs in the slow cooker.
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Pour about 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs, reserving the rest for later.
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Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours — until meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
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Finish & Sauce:
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Optional: Preheat broiler.
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Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized and sticky.
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Or just slather them in sauce right from the crockpot — still amazing.
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Serving Ideas:
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Coleslaw or potato salad on the side
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Cornbread or baked beans
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Roasted corn, mac & cheese, or garlic mashed potatoes
Tips:
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Want extra saucy ribs? Add a little water or broth to the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking and mix it with BBQ sauce.
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Beef ribs have more fat than pork, so they’re super flavorful — just let ‘em slow-cook and melt.
Want a smoky bourbon glaze or a dry-rub version? Or maybe pork ribs instead? Just say the word!