When you’re craving juicy, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs with rich, smoky flavors, look no further than this Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs recipe. Made with a homemade BBQ sauce that’s both tangy and sweet, these ribs are cooked low and slow until they’re perfectly tender. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Serve them over hot rice for a complete and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, transforming tough beef ribs into tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: The combination of ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard creates a rich and flavorful BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with the ribs.
- Versatile Cooking Times: Whether you have 4 hours or 8, this recipe can be adapted to your schedule—cook on high for a quicker meal or on low for an even deeper flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 Cup Water: Helps create the base of the sauce and keeps the ribs moist while cooking.
- 1 Cup Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness to the BBQ sauce.
- 1 (6 Ounce) Can Tomato Paste: Provides a thick, rich tomato flavor and deepens the sauce’s consistency.
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds caramel-like depth.
- 1/2 Cup Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons Prepared Mustard: Enhances the tangy flavor with a touch of spice.
- 1 Tablespoon Salt: Seasons both the ribs and the BBQ sauce.
- 2 Pounds Beef Back Ribs: Beef back ribs are meaty and full of flavor, perfect for slow cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In your slow cooker, combine the water, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and salt. Stir everything together until the brown sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This mixture will serve as the BBQ sauce that flavors the ribs as they cook.
2. Add the Ribs:
- Place the beef back ribs directly into the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the ribs evenly with the sauce, making sure that each rib is well covered.
3. Cook the Ribs:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the ribs until they’re tender and fall-off-the-bone:
- Low Setting: Cook the ribs on low for about 8 hours for the most tender result.
- High Setting: If you’re short on time, cook the ribs on high for about 4 hours. They will still be delicious but may not be quite as tender as the low-cooked version.
4. Serve:
- Once the ribs are fully cooked, serve them over hot cooked rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. The flavorful BBQ sauce from the slow cooker can be drizzled over the ribs and rice for extra flavor.
Notes
- Recipe Variation: The magazine version of this recipe uses 4 pounds of beef short or back ribs, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt for a larger serving size.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you like a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Storage Tips: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1035 kcal
- Fat: 76g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 39g
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs are the perfect comfort food, especially when you’re looking for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. The homemade BBQ sauce adds a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the tender beef ribs. Whether you cook them on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, you’ll end up with delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy this comforting dish over rice and savor the flavors!