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Fork containing shredded ribs topped with BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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5 from 14 votes

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Amazingly delicious and fall off the bone tender, these slow cooker beef short ribs are quick to prep and a huge crowd pleaser. Lathered in a sweet and smoky spice rub, this beef short ribs recipe is literally no effort to make and will quickly become a family favorite!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time7 hours
Total Time7 hours 5 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 451kcal
Author: Amanda Mason

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs beef short ribs, leave the membranes on the ribs to help hold them together
  • Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce, divided

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
  • Rub this spice rub mixture all over both sides of the ribs.
  • Place the ribs in the slow cooker by standing them up against the wall of the stoneware pot, thicker side down and meaty side against the pot.
  • Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs. Cover and cook for 6-8 hrs on low (7 hours worked perfect for me).
  • Once done, you are ready to shred the meat. The meat will be falling off the bone. Remove the fat and membrane.
  • Lightly spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the meat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For even more flavor, apply the rib rub to the meat, cover with plastic wrap, and let them marinate in the refrigerator overnight for up to 24 hours.
  • Should I use bone In or boneless short ribs? - For this recipe, use bone in. The membrane is attached between the bone and the meat and when slow cooked, the flavor from the fat enhances the quality of the recipe.
  • Spice Rub Technique - Rub this spice rub mixture all over both sides of the beef ribs. Rub the mixture into the meat as best you can. It makes a huge difference to press the rub firmly into the meat.
  • You don't have to use store bought BBQ sauce. I'm a big believer of making sauces and I love making my own Homemade BBQ sauce with this beef rib recipe.
  • For less mess, use slow cooker liners.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1380mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 1333IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg