Beef Ribs With Barbecue Sauce – Slow Cooked Short Ribs

Here’s a delicious recipe for slow-cooked beef short ribs with barbecue sauce! Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

Slow-Cooked Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• For the Ribs:

  • 4-5 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

• For the Barbecue Sauce:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

   • Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps develop flavor but is optional if you want to skip it.

2. Make the Barbecue Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
   • Stir until well mixed and the sugar is dissolved.

3. Slow Cooking:

   • Place the seared short ribs into a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.

4. Finishing Touches:

   • Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and set them aside.
   • If desired, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes to thicken. (This step is optional but helps intensify the flavor of the sauce.)

5. Serve:

   • Serve the ribs with the extra barbecue sauce on the side or brush more sauce over the top. They go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef short ribs!

Would you like tips on how to make a homemade barbecue sauce or suggestions for side dishes to pair with the ribs?