Here’s an easy and flavorful recipe for Slow Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs. The slow cooker makes the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender, and the barbecue sauce adds a smoky, tangy taste.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a sweeter sauce)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Ribs
- Season the beef ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs (Optional)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the beef ribs on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Ribs
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
Step 5: Finishing the Ribs
- Once the ribs are cooked, you can serve them as is, or for a caramelized finish:
- Preheat the broiler on your oven.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush them with some extra barbecue sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to bubble and caramelize.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the barbecued beef ribs with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the barbecue sauce mixture overnight before cooking.
- If your barbecue sauce is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
This recipe will give you tender, flavorful beef ribs with minimal effort! The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect dish for busy days.
