If you’re craving tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs, this slow cooker recipe is perfect. The slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissue and renders the meat fall-apart tender. Coupled with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, these bone-in short ribs are a true comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare and delivers incredible flavor.
1. Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs
Season the short ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs (Optional, but Recommended)
Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Sear the ribs: Add the short ribs to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps develop a richer flavor but is optional. Once browned, transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the short ribs with extra flavor as they cook.
Step 4: Pour in the BBQ Sauce
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar (if using). If you want a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika.
Coat the ribs: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the short ribs, making sure the ribs are evenly coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Short Ribs
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the short ribs on LOW for 8-9 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Reduce the sauce: Once the ribs are done, you can remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside. If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the short ribs: Place the short ribs on a serving platter, spooning the BBQ sauce over the top.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Searing Adds Flavor: While it’s an optional step, searing the short ribs before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor and create a richer sauce.
Use Bone-In Short Ribs: Bone-in short ribs offer more flavor and tenderness, as the bones release gelatin during slow cooking, enriching the sauce.
Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: Use a BBQ sauce you love, as it will heavily influence the overall flavor. You can go for a sweet, tangy, or smoky variety based on your preference.
Check for Doneness: The ribs are done when the meat is fall-apart tender. If you can easily pull the meat off the bones with a fork, they’re ready.
Skim the Fat: Short ribs are a fatty cut of meat, so if your sauce seems greasy, you can skim the fat off the surface before serving or reducing the sauce.
3. Variations
Spicy BBQ Short Ribs
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Honey BBQ Short Ribs
For a sweeter version, add 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce mix.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Short Ribs
Swap out the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce, and add 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
4. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up the rich BBQ sauce.
Mac and Cheese: For a comforting Southern-style meal, serve the ribs with cheesy baked mac and cheese.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich short ribs.
Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread makes an excellent side to these BBQ ribs.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are healthy and delicious sides to balance out the richness of the ribs.
5. Leftovers and Storage
Storing: Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the ribs gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
These slow cooker beef short ribs with BBQ sauce are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming tough ribs into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while the BBQ sauce adds a touch of smoky, tangy sweetness.
