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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Rub

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This slow cooker BBQ beef ribs recipe uses a simple brown sugar rub to create tender, juicy ribs with a caramelized crust. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal or weekend feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef short ribs (1.4–1.8 kg), preferably with good marbling
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (70 g), packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mix all over the ribs, pressing firmly to create a crust. Let sit for 10-15 minutes if time allows.
  4. Place ribs standing on their sides or lying flat in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  5. Pour apple cider vinegar and water or beef broth around the ribs (not directly on top) to keep moist.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
  7. Optional: Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, ensure chili powder and other spices are certified gluten-free. You can finish ribs under the broiler for a caramelized crust. Prep the rub and ribs the night before to deepen flavor. If no slow cooker is available, bake covered at 300°F for 3 hours and broil to finish. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ beef ribs, brown sugar rub, easy ribs recipe, tender beef ribs, crockpot ribs, weeknight dinner, BBQ recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-beef-ribs-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-rub/