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Close-up of succulent, Slow Cooker Beef Ribs glistening with a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze, showing tender meat pulling away from the bone for a mouthwatering.

Slow Cooker Beef Ribs: Fall-Apart Tender Short Ribs Every Time

By Nancy
Make slow cooker beef ribs that are incredibly tender and juicy. Learn the best time, temperature, and tips for perfect short ribs every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
(low) 4 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, comfort food
Servings 5
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2–3 lbs Beef ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 4 cloves, Garlic
  • 1 sliced Onion
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • paprika
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions
 

1. Prep the ribs

  • Start simple. Pat the ribs dry don’t skip this, it helps everything cling better. Season boldly. Salt, pepper, paprika—rub it in like you mean it.
    Fresh, thick-cut raw beef short ribs with rich marbling and deep red color arranged on a clean white plate

2. Build the flavor base

  • Scatter sliced onions and garlic across the bottom. This isn’t just filler—it’s flavor in disguise. Lay the ribs on top, stacking slightly if needed.
    Thick-cut beef short ribs generously coated in a savory dry rub.

3. Add liquids and sauce

  • Pour beef broth gently around the ribs, not directly over the seasoning. Then drizzle BBQ sauce on top—slowly, evenly, generously.
    Raw beef ribs seasoned with spices and layered with fresh white onion rings and whole garlic cloves inside a black slow cooker

4. Slow cook to perfection

  • Cover. Set to low. Walk away. That’s it. Six to eight hours later, you’ll come back to something incredible.
    Seasoned beef ribs in a slow cooker submerged in a savory broth, topped with sliced onions, garlic cloves, and a rich barbecue sauce drizzle

5. Optional finishing touch

  • Transfer ribs to a baking tray and brush with extra sauce. Broil for 3–5 minutes until slightly charred.
    Tender, Slow Cooker Beef Ribs glazed in a rich, dark barbecue sauce, piled on a white platter and garnished with fresh chopped parsley

Notes

Nutritional information

  • Calories: 450–550 kcal
  • Protein: 30–35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 10–15g
  • Sodium: Depends on sauce used
Note: The nutritional values provided are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, quantities, and brands used.
Keyword Slow Cooker Beef Ribs