Description
These Slow Cooker Ribs are incredibly tender, richly sauced, and full of comforting flavor. A true set-it-and-forget-it dinner that finishes beautifully in the oven for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
2½–3 pounds beef back ribs or beef short ribs
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups barbecue sauce, beef-friendly and alcohol-free
Instructions
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the membrane from the bone side if present.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides of the ribs.
- Cut ribs into sections if needed and place half in the slow cooker.
- Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the ribs. Add remaining ribs and top with remaining sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
- Optional finish: Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, spoon sauce over the top, and bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
Notes
Beef short ribs are richer and juicier, while beef back ribs are slightly lighter but very flavorful.
For extra depth, add smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
This recipe works perfectly with halal beef and alcohol-free barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg