Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce is a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tender beef ribs are cooked low and slow until they are unbelievably soft and flavorful. Paired with a rich and tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends!

Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who love tender and flavorful meat. Cooking beef ribs in a slow cooker makes them easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. The barbecue sauce adds a delicious layer of flavor that complements the meat perfectly. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for gatherings or family dinners.
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 x 300 – 350g / 10 – 12 oz beef ribs (beef short ribs, 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
- 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 (substitutes available)
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed (sub white)
- 2 tsp each of black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder (substitutes available)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sub soy sauce)
- 2 cups water
- Parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Summary Directions: Season the beef ribs, prepare the barbecue sauce, and cook in the slow cooker for several hours.
Full Directions:
- Start by patting the beef ribs dry. Season them with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs.
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water. This will be your barbecue sauce.
- Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over them. Make sure the ribs are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the meat is very tender.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. You can serve the remaining sauce over the ribs.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Serve the slow-cooked beef ribs with extra barbecue sauce drizzled on top. They pair nicely with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
How to Store Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days. You can also freeze the ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
- For more depth of flavor, marinate the ribs overnight with the seasoning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the barbecue sauce simmer on the stove for a few extra minutes before serving.
Variation
You can make this recipe using different types of ribs, such as baby back ribs or spare ribs. Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck or ribeye, but cooking times may vary.
2. Can I make this recipe in an oven?
Yes, you can cook the ribs in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 3-4 hours.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These ribs are great for meal prep as they store well and can be reheated easily.

Slow Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
Beef Ribs and Seasoning
- 6 pieces 300 – 350g beef ribs (beef short ribs, 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
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ¾ tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt reduce by 25% for table salt, increase 50% for salt flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
Barbecue Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced sub 2 tsp powder
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar substitutes available
- 1 ½ cups ketchup or Aussie tomato sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar, loosely packed sub white
- 2 tsp black pepper substitutes available
- 2 tsp onion powder substitutes available
- 2 tsp mustard powder substitutes available
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce sub soy sauce
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by patting the beef ribs dry.
- Season them with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs.
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water to prepare the barbecue sauce.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over them.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the meat is very tender.
Serving
- Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the slow-cooked beef ribs with extra barbecue sauce drizzled on top.







