The first time I made these slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce, the house smelled like a neighborhood BBQ joint all afternoon. It was a chilly Saturday, and the oven warmed the kitchen as the sauce bubbled away. By the time dinner rolled around, we didn’t even need plates—just napkins and smiles. It’s that kind of meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce turn out fall-apart tender every time. The beef short ribs soak up a rich, smoky-sweet homemade BBQ sauce while they braise low and slow in the oven.
They work beautifully for a backyard-style meal with cornbread and slaw or plated elegantly with potato gratin. They’re versatile, forgiving, and deeply flavorful.
Best Cut of Beef for BBQ Ribs
For the best slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce, use beef short ribs with thick, meaty portions that soak up every drop of flavor. and avoid the vac-packed or brined versions. The meat should be chunky and rich—think rectangular blocks on a bone.
You can swap in beef cheeks or chuck (cut into big chunks) if needed. For brisket, I’d suggest using a recipe built specifically for that cut since it behaves differently in the oven.
Dry Rub for Beef Ribs
Before making slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce, coat them in this spice rub to lock in flavor and help the sauce caramelize. with a smoky-sweet spice mix. You’ll need:
- Brown sugar (or white sugar)
- Paprika
- Garlic and onion powder (fresh or dry works)
- Cumin powder
- Mustard powder (or Dijon)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
This rub gives the ribs a flavorful crust and helps the sauce cling later. If you’re using table salt instead of kosher, reduce it slightly to avoid over-seasoning.
Homemade BBQ Sauce & Braising Liquid
The real magic is in the sauce. It’s tangy, bold, and just spicy enough. Here’s what goes in:
- Garlic (minced or powdered)
- Ketchup (or Aussie-style tomato sauce)
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar (or another mild vinegar like white wine)
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder or prepared mustard
- Cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
- Water
Everything simmers together in the oven, acting as both a braising liquid and finishing sauce. Want it silky smooth? Strain it at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce (Step by Step)
Prep the Ribs
Start by patting your ribs dry and rubbing the spice mix all over. Make sure to coat all sides, then shake off the excess.
Make the Sauce
In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, stir together all BBQ sauce ingredients—except the water. Once mixed, add water to thin it into a braising liquid.
Slow Cook in the Oven
Place the ribs meat side down in the pan. Cover tightly with foil or a lid. Bake at 160°C/320°F for 3.5 hours.
Caramelise & Finish
Remove the foil. Flip the ribs gently and spoon the sauce over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 more minutes.
To check for doneness, use two forks—if the meat pulls apart easily, they’re ready. If not, pop them back in for another 30–45 minutes, covered.
Tip: These get even better if made ahead. The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge.
Cooking Method Variations
Don’t feel tied to the oven. This slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low or 5 on high. Then finish uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently, covered, for about 2.5 hours.
- Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: 1 hour high pressure + 10-minute natural release. Caramelise in oven.
- Grill Option: Cook ribs the day before. Then grill 3 minutes per side, brushing with sauce, until sticky.
Try this variation with my Instant Pot beef tips in savory brown gravy if you’re craving another cozy meat dish.
What to Serve with BBQ Beef Ribs
Rustic BBQ Style
- Crunchy no-mayo slaw
- Steamed corn on the cob
- Green bean salad
- Classic cornbread
Elegant Dinner Plate
- Potato gratin stacks
- Garlic mushrooms
- Sautéed spinach with lemon
This dish can feel backyard casual or dinner-party fancy—it’s all in the sides.
Recipe Tips & Storage
- Sauce too thin? Reduce it in a saucepan or in the oven uncovered.
- Too thick? Add a splash of hot water.
- Smooth sauce? Strain before serving for a refined touch.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Make the entire dish earlier in the day—or even the night before. Reheat gently in the oven, covered, until warmed through.
Storage
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (store ribs in the sauce)
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw fully before reheating)
- Reheat: Microwave works well for moisture. Oven works too (180°C/350°F, 20 min, covered)
FAQs
Can you slow cook ribs on a barbecue?
You can’t fully slow cook them on the BBQ, but you can finish them there for extra char. Cook in the oven first, then grill briefly while basting.
How to cook beef ribs in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce?
Rub the ribs, mix the sauce, and add both to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5. Then broil or oven-finish to caramelise the top.
Does barbecue sauce go on beef ribs?
Yes! In this recipe, it acts as both the braising liquid and final sauce. It clings beautifully and gets rich and sticky as it cooks down.
How long to cook slow cooked beef ribs?
About 4 hours total in the oven—3.5 hours covered, 30 minutes uncovered. They should be tender enough to fall apart with forks.
Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs Recipe Card
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Slow Cooked Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce – Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Fall-apart tender beef short ribs slow cooked in a bold homemade BBQ sauce. This oven-braised recipe is perfect for family dinners or a casual weekend feast.
Ingredients
2.5–3 lb beef short ribs (meaty, rectangular cut, not brined)
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
3/4 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
**BBQ Sauce & Braising Liquid**:
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp powder)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1.5 cups ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F.
2. Mix the dry rub ingredients and coat ribs on all sides.
3. In a baking dish, mix all BBQ sauce ingredients except water, then add water and stir.
4. Place ribs in the sauce, meat side down. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
5. Bake for 3.5 hours covered.
6. Remove foil, flip ribs, spoon sauce over. Bake uncovered 30 more minutes.
7. Check for tenderness—meat should fall apart easily. If not, bake longer, covered.
8. Serve with sauce spooned over. Strain sauce for a smooth finish if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: Ribs can be made earlier in the day or up to 1 day ahead. Reheat gently in oven or microwave.
Slow cooker version: Cook on low for 8 hrs or high for 5. Caramelise ribs in oven 30 minutes at the end.
Grill option: After cooking, chill ribs. Then grill for 3 minutes per side while basting with sauce.
Store in sauce: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Oven-Braised
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib
- Calories: 538
- Sugar: 33
- Sodium: 1114
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 43
More Such Recipes
If you love meals like this, try these next:
- Creamy oven-baked chicken thighs with garlic sauce
- Garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet dinner
- Slow cooker chicken burrito bowl for easy weeknights
Nutrition Information (Per Rib)
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 38g (33g sugars)
- Fat: 23g (10g saturated)
- Sodium: 1114mg
- Potassium: 1045mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin A: 433 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 5mg
Final Thoughts
These slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce are comforting, flexible, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re using the oven or the slow cooker, these slow cooked beef ribs in BBQ sauce bring bold flavor to any table.Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet weekend dinner, they deliver every time.
Try the grilling finish if you want smoky vibes, or keep it simple with the oven. Either way, drop a comment or share your version—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you.
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