If you are on the hunt for a comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and tenderness, the Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine ribs so juicy and tender that the meat falls off the bone effortlessly, coated in a perfectly balanced barbecue sauce that delivers a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy punch. This dish is all about slow, loving cooking that transforms simple beef ribs into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or casual weekend feasts with friends. Cozy up to these ribs and you’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to the heart of this Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe means gathering straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that each play an important role. From the spices that build depth and warmth, to the balance of sweetness and acidity in the sauce, every item works together to create that rich, irresistible flavor.
- 6 beef short ribs (300–350g each): The star of the show, these ribs provide meaty, tender bites that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a mellow sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- 2 tsp paprika: Brings a smoky, earthy undertone and gorgeous red color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Offers robust savory notes, easily swapped with fresh garlic if you prefer.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sharpness that layers perfectly with garlic.
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder: Introduces a warm, slightly nutty spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 3/4 tsp mustard powder: Provides a mild tang and helps bind the spices together (swap options included).
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives just enough bite to keep the ribs interesting.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh for more pronounced flavor (or 2 tsp garlic powder as a substitute).
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup or Aussie tomato sauce: Forms the tangy base of the barbecue sauce.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed: Enhances sweetness and helps create the perfect sticky texture.
- 2 tsp each black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder: These repeated spices amp up the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper: Adjust to your preferred spice level for a gentle kick.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Intensifies the umami depth with a savory richness.
- 2 cups water: To gently simmer the ribs until fall-apart tender.
- Chopped parsley or chives: Fresh herbs to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Start by patting your beef ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the rub and sauce stick well. Mix together your brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub. Generously coat each rib with this mix, massaging it into every crevice to maximize flavor absorption before cooking.
Step 2: Make the Barbecue Sauce
In a bowl, whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. This blend strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that will profoundly complement the rich meatiness of the ribs.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ribs
Place the ribs in a slow cooker or a heavy pot and pour the barbecue sauce and water over them, ensuring the ribs are well-covered. Set your slow cooker on low for about four hours or until the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone. This slow cooking process breaks down the beef’s connective tissue, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe so beloved.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the ribs are fully cooked, carefully remove them and place on a serving platter. If you want a sticky glaze, reduce the remaining liquid on the stove gently until thickened. Pour over the ribs and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives not only adds a lively splash of green but also brings a fresh flavor contrast to the rich barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few pickled onions or a dash of smoked paprika dusted over the top can add extra layers of taste and sophistication.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread work wonderfully alongside these ribs, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a healthier balance, consider roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad to provide freshness and texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a casual gathering, consider arranging the ribs rustic-style on a wooden board with small bowls of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Fancy it up by plating with neat piles of your favorite sides and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them submerged in the barbecue sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor, so don’t be shy about saving the sauce along with the ribs.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious ribs for a later date, wrap them well in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture as close to fresh as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm them on the stovetop in a pan with a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce to bring back that perfect saucy consistency and tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While beef short ribs are ideal for their marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck ribs. Just be mindful that cooking times and textures might differ slightly.
How spicy is the sauce in the Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe?
The sauce has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or omit it completely for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Is it possible to cook these ribs in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can slow-roast the ribs at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) for 3 to 4 hours covered with foil, adding the sauce partway through to infuse flavor.
Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the barbecue sauce a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld even more. Store it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using it with the ribs.
What can I serve with these ribs for a complete meal?
Consider pairing your ribs with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, roasted corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the meat and sauce.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe means welcoming a dish that’s full of heartwarming flavors and incredibly tender meat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, these ribs never fail to impress and satisfy. Give this recipe a try and prepare to enjoy one of those dishes you’ll cherish and want to make again and again.
Print
Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, slow-cooked beef ribs glazed with a rich, homemade barbecue sauce. This recipe combines a blend of spices with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, slow-cooked to perfection until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Ideal for a comforting meal with a smoky barbecue flavor.
Ingredients
Beef Ribs
- 6 x 300 – 350g (10 – 12 oz) beef short ribs, patted dry
Dry Rub
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (substitute white sugar if needed)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder (substitute 1 tsp fresh garlic)
- 1 tsp onion powder (can sub with garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 3/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (reduce by 25% if using table salt, increase 50% for salt flakes)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Barbecue Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup (or Australian tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup loosely packed brown sugar (substitute with white sugar)
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (substitute soy sauce)
- 2 cups water
Garnish
- Chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Ribs: Begin by patting the beef short ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well. Mix together all the dry rub ingredients — brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper — in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over the ribs on all sides. Let the ribs rest for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Barbecue Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to form the barbecue sauce.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Place the dry-rubbed ribs in a slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the ribs. Cover and cook on low for approximately 4 hours (240 minutes), or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs and let them rest for a few minutes. Stir the cooking liquid in the slow cooker to mix the flavors and then pour some sauce over the ribs before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Beef short ribs are preferred for their marbling and tenderness; ensure they are patted dry before applying the rub for best results.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or a splash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute in the barbecue sauce.
- The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to control the spiciness of the barbecue sauce.
- For salt types: reduce salt amounts by 25% if using table salt as it’s finer; increase by 50% if using flaky salts.
- This recipe is best cooked low and slow in a slow cooker to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
