Craving tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs without spending hours in the kitchen? Then this slow cooker beef back ribs recipe is your answer! This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Homemade cooking has never been easier!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef back ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite!)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs
Pat the beef back ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and develop a nice crust later on. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Place the seasoned ribs on top of the vegetables.
Step 3: Creating the Flavorful Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture evenly over the ribs in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily pull apart.
Step 5: Achieving that Perfect Glaze
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and increase the slow cooker setting to high. Let the sauce reduce for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
Step 6: Serving Up Your Masterpiece
Place the ribs back into the slow cooker to coat them with the thickened sauce. Serve immediately. These ribs are fantastic on their own or with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for Rib Perfection:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the ribs overnight in a mixture of your favorite barbecue rub and oil.
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ribs to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Check for doneness: The ribs should be easily pulled apart with a fork. If they're not quite tender enough, continue cooking in the slow cooker for another hour or so.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or experiment with different types of barbecue sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons for extra sweetness.
- Dry Rub Ribs: Skip the sauce altogether and use a generous dry rub instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
These slow cooker beef back ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They're a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes, ideal for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and happy cooking!