Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

why make this recipe

Slow cooked beef ribs with barbecue sauce are a delicious and comforting dish. They are perfect for gatherings with family or friends, as they can be made in large batches and are packed with flavor. The low and slow cooking method makes the meat tender and juicy, while the barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy finish. This recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is sure to impress everyone at your table.

how to make Slow cooked Beef Ribs with barbecue sauce

Ingredients:

• 6 x 300 – 350g / 10 – 12 oz beef ribs (aka beef short ribs) (Note 1), patted dry
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (sub white)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder (sub 1 tsp fresh garlic)
• 1 tsp onion powder (sub garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4 tsp mustard powder (Note 2)
• 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (reduce by 25% for table salt, increase 50% for salt flakes)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (sub 2 tsp powder)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (Note 2 subs)
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed (sub white)
• 2 tsp EACH black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder (Note 2)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste re: spiciness)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sub soy sauce)
• 2 cups water
• Parsley or chives, chopped

Directions:

SUMMARY DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the beef ribs and season them.
2. Mix the barbecue sauce ingredients.
3. Slow cook the beef ribs until tender.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

FULL DIRECTIONS:

1. Start by patting dry the beef ribs. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the beef ribs.
2. In another bowl, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well to create the barbecue sauce.
3. Place the seasoned ribs in a slow cooker or a large pot. Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
5. Once done, remove the ribs from the cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives.

how to serve Slow cooked Beef Ribs with barbecue sauce

Serve the beef ribs hot from the slow cooker. They go great with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. You can also serve them over rice or with fresh bread to soak up the delicious barbecue sauce. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins, as these ribs can get a bit messy but oh-so-worth-it!

how to store Slow cooked Beef Ribs with barbecue sauce

To store leftover beef ribs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the ribs with the sauce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.

tips to make Slow cooked Beef Ribs with barbecue sauce

• For extra flavor, marinate the beef ribs in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you like a thicker barbecue sauce, you can reduce the sauce by cooking it on the stovetop after removing the ribs.
• Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to make the sauce milder or spicier based on your preference.

variation

You can switch up the barbecue sauce by using different types of vinegar or adding your favorite spices. For a sweeter sauce, you can add more brown sugar or even some honey. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! This recipe can work with pork ribs or even chicken, but cooking times may vary.

2. How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs the day before and reheat them when ready to serve. Just ensure they are stored properly in the refrigerator.

Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

Tender and flavorful beef ribs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Ribs

• 6 pieces 300 – 350g beef ribs (aka beef short ribs) Pat dry

For the Dry Rub

• 1 tbsp brown sugar Can substitute with white sugar
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder Can substitute with 1 tsp fresh garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder Can substitute garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt Reduce by 25% for table salt, increase by 50% for salt flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced Can substitute with 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup Or Aussie tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed Can substitute with white sugar
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for spiciness
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Can substitute with soy sauce
• 2 cups water

For Serving

• to taste none Parsley or chives, chopped For garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Pat dry the beef ribs.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the beef ribs.

Make the Barbecue Sauce

• In another bowl, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well to create the barbecue sauce.

Cooking

• Place the seasoned ribs in a slow cooker or large pot. Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
• Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
• Once done, remove the ribs from the cooker and let them rest for a few minutes.

Serving

• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives. These ribs go great with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the beef ribs in the spice mixture overnight before cooking. For a thicker barbecue sauce, reduce the sauce on the stovetop after removing the ribs. Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired spiciness.

Keyword Barbecue, Beef Ribs, Comfort food, Ribs, Slow Cooked