Ingredients
For the ribs:
- 2–3 lbs beef ribs (short ribs or back ribs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the BBQ sauce:
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Season the ribs
Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with:- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Optional: Sear for extra flavor
Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil.
Sear ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
(This step adds depth but can be skipped.) - Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, mix:- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Chili powder
- Load the slow cooker
Place ribs into the slow cooker.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them, coating evenly. - Cook low and slow
- Low: 7–8 hours (best for tenderness)
- High: 4–5 hours
- Ribs are done when they’re very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
- Optional: Finish in oven (for sticky glaze)
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
- Place ribs on a baking sheet
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce
- Broil for 5–8 minutes until caramelized
- Serve
Serve hot with extra sauce from the slow cooker.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Roasted potatoes or fries
- Grilled corn
💡 Tips
- Remove excess fat before cooking for a cleaner sauce.
- Use a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
- Add liquid smoke (a few drops) if you want that grilled taste.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
⏱️ Quick Info
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook time: 7–8 hours (low)
- Servings: 4–6