Here’s a Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs recipe that delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness with rich, smoky BBQ flavor — all with minimal effort. Perfect for a satisfying, hands-off meal!
🍖 Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs
🧾 Ingredients
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3–4 lbs beef back ribs or short ribs
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 cup beef broth or water (for moisture)
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2 cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
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Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar (for added depth)
🥣 Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
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Remove the silver skin/membrane from the back of the ribs (if not already done).
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Pat ribs dry and season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Brown the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
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In a hot skillet with a little oil, sear ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Load the Slow Cooker
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Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Layer the ribs in the cooker.
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Pour 1½ cups of BBQ sauce over the ribs. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for later.
4. Cook Low & Slow
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Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
5. Finish & Glaze
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Carefully remove the ribs (they’ll be tender!).
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Optional: Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the top, or grill briefly for smoky char.
6. Serve
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Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted veggies.
🔄 Variations & Tips
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Spicy kick: Add chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
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Sweet twist: Mix in honey or brown sugar with the sauce.
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Make ahead: Cook a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with extra sauce the next day for even better flavor.
Want a homemade BBQ sauce recipe or a version for pork ribs instead?