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–+ servings
Fork containing shredded ribs topped with BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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5 from 15 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

  • 7-8 Quart Slow Cooker

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together 1½ Tablespoons of smoked paprika, 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ black 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 always works 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 and discard.
  • Lightly spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the meat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • 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.
  • For even more flavor, when you apply the rib rub to the meat, cover with plastic wrap, and let them dry brine in the refrigerator overnight for up to 24 hours.
  • 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.
  • Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm all the way through 

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