barbecue beef short ribs slow cooker

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, you can’t go wrong with barbecue beef short ribs. The slow cooker transforms these delicious ribs into a tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect slow-cooked ribs at home.

What Are Beef Short Ribs?

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes beef short ribs so special. These ribs are meatier and contain more connective tissue than other rib cuts like spare ribs or back ribs. When cooked low and slow, the connective tissues break down, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.

Beef short ribs come in two main types:

Bone-in ribs: More flavor and moisture due to the bone.
Boneless ribs: Easier to handle and serve.

The rich marbling of fat in these ribs makes them perfect for slow cooking, as it ensures the ribs remain moist and flavorful throughout the process.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Beef Short Ribs?

A slow cooker is ideal for cooking beef short ribs. This method allows the meat to cook gently, ensuring it becomes tender without drying out. Here are a few reasons to choose the slow cooker for this dish:

Low and slow cooking breaks down the connective tissues, making the ribs tender and juicy.
Convenience: Set it, forget it, and return to a perfectly cooked meal.
Versatility: You can use different flavors and seasonings to customize your ribs.

By choosing the slow cooker, you’ll also save time without sacrificing the flavor or texture that comes from more labor-intensive methods like grilling or oven-roasting.

Essential Ingredients for BBQ Beef Short Ribs

To make the best barbecue beef short ribs, you need just a few key ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe both convenient and delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless)
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
¼ cup flour (to thicken the sauce)
Optional: Liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor

To complement the richness of the ribs, try serving them with butter herb Rhodes rolls for an added buttery touch.

Preparing the Beef Short Ribs

Properly preparing your ribs ensures the best possible outcome. Follow these steps to get your ribs slow cooker-ready:

Step 1: Trim and Season the Ribs

Trim excess fat from the ribs.
Pat the ribs dry to help the seasoning stick.
In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Rub the seasoning mix generously on both sides of the ribs.

If you have the time, let the ribs sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This extra marinating step will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the chopped onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Lay the seasoned ribs on top of the onions.
Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Add the honey, mustard, and flour to help thicken the sauce.
For a smoky kick, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke.

For a complete meal, you can also pair these ribs with roasted potatoes and onions for a savory side dish.

Cooking the Ribs in the Slow Cooker

Now that your ribs are prepped, it’s time to cook them. Choose your cooking time based on your schedule:

Cooking on Low (8 Hours)

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let the ribs cook for 8 hours.
This method ensures the ribs become incredibly tender, as the low temperature slowly breaks down the fat and connective tissue.

Cooking on High (5 Hours)

If you’re short on time, set the cooker to HIGH for 5 hours.
The ribs will still turn out tender, but the texture might not be quite as soft as when cooked on low heat.

Regardless of your chosen method, check the ribs near the end of the cooking time. The meat should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.

Finishing the Ribs: Broiling for a Caramelized Finish

While the slow cooker makes the ribs tender, broiling them for a few minutes will give them a caramelized, slightly crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Broiling

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the baking sheet.
Brush the ribs with additional BBQ sauce to add more flavor.
Place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Flip the ribs, apply more BBQ sauce, and broil for another 2-3 minutes.

This step gives the ribs that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy, caramelized sauce.

What to Serve with BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Barbecue beef short ribs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few options to consider for a complete meal:

Mac and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy side dish is the perfect complement to the smoky richness of the ribs. Try this Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe.
Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread balances the bold flavors of the ribs.
Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tender ribs.

Presentation Tips

Serve the ribs on a platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Arrange the ribs alongside your chosen sides for a family-style meal that’s sure to impress.

FAQs About BBQ Beef Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker

Here are some frequently asked questions to help ensure your slow-cooked ribs turn out perfectly every time:

Should the Ribs Be Covered in Liquid?

No, the ribs don’t need to be fully submerged in liquid. Adding just enough BBQ sauce ensures the ribs stay moist without becoming soggy. The slow cooker will circulate steam, keeping the meat juicy.

Can Ribs Be Overcooked in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, ribs can be overcooked if left too long. The meat will fall apart and become mushy. To avoid this, check the ribs after the recommended cooking time and remove them once they’re tender.

Can I Cook Frozen Ribs in a Slow Cooker?

It’s best to thaw the ribs first. Cooking them from frozen can cause uneven cooking and potential food safety issues. Make sure the ribs are fully thawed before adding them to the slow cooker.

If you’re interested in other slow-cooked dishes or similar recipes, you might want to check out these related topics:

With the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and versatility, barbecue beef short ribs in a slow cooker are a must-try for any BBQ lover. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.