Easy Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs: Juicy & Tender Ribs Recipe (2024)

These crockpot BBQ beef short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and loaded with tons of meaty flavor! In fact, it is an easy-to-make meal that uses common household ingredients and only takes a few minutes to prepare! Easy, effortless, and delicious - what more could you ask for?

Easy Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs Recipe

When you think of ribs, you probably think of firing up the grill on a warm sunny day. However, you can also make some delicious ribs in the crockpot so you can enjoy them any time of year!

These crockpot ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful. You won't even miss the grill!

🥘 Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs Ingredients

This ingredient list is composed mainly of common spices. For BBQ sauce, you can use whichever brand of flavor is your favorite!

• Salt - 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Pepper - 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
• Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon of paprika.
• Ribs - 2 racks of beef short ribs.
• BBQ Sauce - 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Plus more for roasting, if desired.
• Water - ¾ cup of water.
• Liquid Smoke - 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
• Onion (optional) - 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced, if desired.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs

There is nothing difficult about this recipe at all! If you have some time to spare, let your ribs chill in the fridge with the seasoning mix to really enhance the flavor! Go ahead and get out your crockpot and a small bowl to get started!

Assuming about ½ rack of ribs per person, this recipe will make you 4 delectable servings.

Prepare Ribs

1. Mix seasonings. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon each of pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika.
2. Prepare ribs. Wash your 2 racks of short ribs in cold water and then pat them dry using paper towels. Generously season the ribs using your seasoning mixture, making sure to rub the spices onto both sides of the meat.
3. Let the ribs chill. If time allows, let your ribs sit in the fridge for 24 hours (giving them a good rub every 12 hours). This is also the point where the ribs can be frozen for later.

Cook the Ribs

1. Add liquids. Place the racks into your crockpot and add 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ¾ cup of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke, and optional 1 sliced onion.
2. Cook. Cook the ribs on high for 5 hours.
3. Coat with sauce. To roast your ribs, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and then place a baking rack on top. Place the ribs on the rack and generously coat them with more BBQ sauce.
4. Broil. Transfer the pan to the oven under the broil for just a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on your ribs so that they don't burn.
5. Flip. Flip the meat over and add more BBQ sauce. Then place them back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes more.
6. Rest. Remove the ribs from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

These mouthwatering ribs taste great with so many things! I like to enjoy them with some butter herb Rhodes rolls, Instant Pot mac and cheese, and roasted potatoes and onions! For more ideas, take a look at my post on what to serve with beef ribs! Enjoy!

💭 Tips & Notes

• Letting your ribs sit with the seasoning on them for 24 hours helps to enhance the flavor. However, if you don't have the time to do so, your ribs will still taste delicious!
• Make sure to roast your ribs in the oven so the BBQ sauce gets nice and caramelized!
• I used bone-in ribs for this recipe, but you can use boneless if you like.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Keep any leftover ribs in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 days.

These ribs can also be frozen by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.

Reheating Ribs

Reheat your short ribs by putting them in the slow cooker with about a quarter inch of water and cook on low for 30-60 minutes.

❓ FAQ

🍲 More Crockpot Recipes

• Crockpot Apple Cider - Use your slow cooker to make a warm and delicious pot of homemade apple cider!
• - This macaroni and cheese is creamy, gooey, and completely easy to make!
• Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs - These sweet and tasty meatballs are the perfect appetizer for serving a crowd!
• Crockpot Beef Stew - This hearty beef stew is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a warm and comforting meal!
• Crockpot Cube Steak - This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients and is perfect for any day of the week!
• Crockpot Yankee Pot Roast - This classic pot roast recipe is loaded with tasty veggies and potatoes!

📖 Recipe Card

More Main Dish