If you’re in the mood for melt-in-your-mouth comfort food that makes your kitchen smell like a backyard barbecue on a summer afternoon, you need to try this Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe. These beef ribs are smothered in a tangy, smoky sauce and slow-cooked until irresistibly tender, practically falling off the bone with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, treating your family, or just want leftovers to savor, this is the recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into a mini celebration.

Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those magic recipes where just a handful of powerhouse ingredients create something truly unforgettable. Each component brings its own personality, building the deep, complex flavors and sticky, finger-licking good texture that make this dish a favorite.

Beef short ribs, bone-in (3 pounds): Bone-in gives the best flavor and keeps the ribs tender and juicy as they cook low and slow.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sear in olive oil adds flavor and helps keep moisture locked in.
Salt (1 teaspoon): A fundamental seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the beef.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of warmth and depth.
Large onion, sliced (1): As it cooks, the onion caramelizes and sweetens, mingling beautifully with the sauce.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Brings earthy, aromatic notes that infuse every bite.
BBQ sauce (1 cup): Choose your favorite bottled or homemade — this is where a lot of the personality comes in!
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything succulent and amps up the beefiness.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a punch of umami and depth; don’t skip it!
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): For the perfect, subtle sweetness that caramelizes on the ribs.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): This brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you’d like a little kick, this is for you.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds freshness and a pop of bright color right before serving.

How to Make Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Season the Short Ribs

Pat the beef short ribs dry and season them well with salt and black pepper on all sides. This simple step helps create a beautiful crust and locks in flavor from the very start, setting the stage for deeply savory ribs.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each short rib for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Searing is crucial for building a rich, caramelized exterior and those flavor-packed bits that make the Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe so memorable.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until aromatic and just beginning to soften. The heat blooms their natural sweetness and infuses the fat left behind from the beef, layering in even more flavor before the slow cook begins.

Step 4: Mix Up the Saucy Goodness

In a small bowl, stir together your BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder, if you want a touch of heat. This blend creates a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every rib and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now comes the easy part: assemble it all in your slow cooker. Arrange the seared ribs, then add the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour the sauce mixture all over, ensuring each rib is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours), until the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone. This is truly where the magic of the Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe happens!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Gently remove the ribs and pile them onto your serving dish, spooning plenty of luscious sauce over the top. For an extra beautiful finish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Don’t forget to dip, mop, and savor every last drop.

How to Serve Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens the dish and adds a touch of elegance. You might also try thinly sliced green onions or a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra color and flair—think of it as the exclamation point on your Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe.

Side Dishes

These ribs are rich and saucy, so keep your sides simple yet satisfying. Creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, or fluffy rice soak up all that BBQ goodness. For something fresh, a crisp slaw or a side of roasted veggies perfectly balances those hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get a little fancy! Try serving these ribs family-style on a rustic board with the sauce drizzled all over, or go for individual plating atop a bed of mashed potatoes with extra sauce pooled around each rib. You can even use the shredded rib meat in sliders or tacos for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on the Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover short ribs will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to include plenty of sauce—this keeps the meat juicy and ensures you have extra for reheating or dipping!

Freezing

The Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is freezer-friendly, too. Let cooked ribs cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, with sauce included, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place ribs and sauce in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20–25 minutes until hot. You can also gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with boneless short ribs?

Absolutely! Boneless short ribs work great in this Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe. Just check for tenderness a bit earlier, since boneless ribs can cook a little faster than bone-in.

Which BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

Your favorite is always the best choice! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—pick the BBQ sauce that makes your tastebuds happiest. Homemade or store-bought, both shine here.

How can I thicken the sauce after cooking?

If you like your sauce a bit thicker, transfer it to a saucepan after cooking and simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes. It’ll reduce and cling beautifully to your short ribs.

Do I need to marinate the ribs in advance?

It’s not essential, but marinating the short ribs in the sauce mixture overnight infuses even more flavor. If you have time to prep ahead, your Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe will be extra memorable!

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Use a Dutch oven and bake covered at 300°F for about 3–3.5 hours, checking for tenderness. The results will be just as juicy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is pure comfort in a pot—easy enough for a weeknight but so delicious you’ll want to share it at every get-together. If you love flavor-packed, fall-off-the-bone ribs, give this recipe a try and watch your dinner table light up!

Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef ribs with a smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that practically falls off the bone.

Ingredients

Scale

Short Ribs:

3 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season and Sear: Season the short ribs, then sear in a skillet.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic.
Mix Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce, broth, Worcestershire, sugar, paprika, and chili powder.
Cook: Place ribs in the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Serve: Remove ribs, spoon sauce, and garnish with parsley.