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 Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce

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

Scale

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

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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