Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs are juicy and oh-so-tender! With a sticky barbecue sauce coating, they cook slowly to soak up all that delicious flavor.
I love how easy it is to set up—just throw everything in the Crockpot and forget about it. Perfect for lazy weekends when you want tasty food with zero fuss! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: These are great for slow cooking because they have a good amount of fat, making them tender and flavorful. If you can’t find beef back ribs, short ribs or flank ribs are good alternatives, but adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of barbecue sauce can really change the flavor. I love using a smoky or sweet variety. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar version or even make your own with tomato paste and seasoning.
Beef Broth or Water: Using beef broth adds depth to the dish. If you’re out of broth, plain water will work fine. For a twist, you could even use some apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives a nice kick. Feel free to add cayenne pepper for extra heat or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer milder flavors.
How Do I Make the Ribs Extra Tender in the Crockpot?
To get those ribs perfectly tender, the key is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure they come out great:
- Pat the ribs dry—this helps the rub stick better and promotes a good texture.
- Apply the rub evenly. Don’t rush this step; it’s where a lot of flavor builds.
- Arrange the ribs carefully in the crockpot. Avoid stacking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Let them cook on low for 6 to 8 hours; this slow process breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in tender bites. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!
- Finishing with a quick broil is optional but adds a great caramelized finish.
Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef back ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 6 to 8 hours of cooking on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Just let those flavors mingle and relax while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your magic dry rub that will flavor those ribs beautifully!
2. Season the Ribs:
Take the beef ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick better. Rub the dry seasoning all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor!
3. Arrange in the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned ribs in the crockpot. Try to arrange them so they aren’t overlapping too much, which helps them cook evenly.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, beef broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce. This will create a tasty sauce to keep the ribs moist and flavorful.
5. Coat the Ribs:
Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. This is where the magic happens!
6. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The ribs are ready when they are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
7. Optional Glaze:
If you want a caramelized glaze, carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush with some extra barbecue sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred. This adds a nice finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the ribs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or any of your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious, tender Crockpot BBQ Beef Ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While beef back ribs are great, you can also use short ribs or chuck ribs. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness; thicker cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
Your choice of barbecue sauce can greatly affect the flavor! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well. Feel free to experiment with homemade sauces for a personal touch.
Can I Cook These Ribs on High?
Yes! You can cook the ribs on high for about 3 to 4 hours instead of low for 6 to 8 hours. Just keep an eye on the tenderness; they should still be tender and pulling away from the bone.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave, or for best results, reheat gently in a pan on the stove with a splash of barbecue sauce. Enjoy!