Slow Cooker Beef Ribs

Slow cooker beef ribs are exactly the sort of recipe that makes you glad you planned ahead.

Beef short ribs are rich, meaty and full of deep beef flavour, but they need time. Cook them quickly and they can be tough. Cook them low and slow, and they become tender, sticky, rich and properly comforting.

This slow cooker beef ribs recipe uses beef short ribs, onions, carrots, garlic, beef stock and a simple tomato-based sauce to create tender ribs with a rich gravy.

The only thing to watch is size. A full pack of beef short ribs can be a big piece of meat, so unless you have a very large slow cooker, it is usually best to split the ribs into individual bones before cooking.

Can You Cook Beef Ribs in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, beef ribs are brilliant in the slow cooker.

Beef short ribs need low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissue and soften the meat. The slow cooker is perfect for this because it keeps everything gently cooking for hours without drying the ribs out.

By the end, the meat should be soft, rich and tender enough to pull away from the bone.

What Beef Ribs Should You Use?

For this recipe, use beef short ribs.

Beef short ribs are cut from between the fore-rib and brisket. They are richly marbled, full of flavour, and ideal for slow cooking, smoking, BBQ cooking and oven roasting.

A pack of beef short ribs may include several rib bones in one section. If the rack is too large for your slow cooker, ask your butcher to split it, or carefully cut between the bones to create individual ribs.

Do You Need to Split Beef Short Ribs for the Slow Cooker?

Usually, yes.

A full section of beef short ribs can be too large for many household slow cookers. Splitting the ribs into individual bones makes them much easier to fit into the slow cooker and helps them sit down into the sauce.

If you have a large oval slow cooker, you may be able to fit the ribs as one piece. But for most people, individual ribs are easier and more practical.

Slow Cooker Beef Ribs Ingredients

• 1kg beef short ribs
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar, optional
• 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
• Salt and black pepper

How to Cook Beef Ribs in the Slow Cooker

1. Remove the beef short ribs from the packaging.
2. If needed, split the rack into individual ribs so they fit into your slow cooker.
3. Season the ribs well with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat.
5. Sear the beef ribs on all sides until browned.
6. Add the sliced onions and carrots to the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Place the browned beef ribs on top of the vegetables.
8. Add the garlic, tomato purée, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and smoked paprika.
9. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
10. Cook on low for around 8 hours, or on high for around 5 to 6 hours.
11. The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
12. Remove the ribs carefully and rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a pan and reduce it over a medium-high heat until richer and thicker.

How Long Do Beef Ribs Take in the Slow Cooker?

Beef ribs usually take around 8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

You can cook them on high for around 5 to 6 hours, but low is better if you have the time. The longer, gentler cook gives the fat and connective tissue more time to break down.

The exact time depends on the size and thickness of the ribs. If the meat still feels tight, keep cooking.

Should You Brown Beef Ribs First?

Yes, if you have time, brown the beef ribs before adding them to the slow cooker.

Searing the ribs gives the outside more colour and flavour. It also helps build a richer sauce.

You can skip this step if you are in a rush, but the finished dish will usually taste better if the ribs are browned first.

How Do You Know Slow Cooker Beef Ribs Are Done?

Slow cooker beef ribs are done when the meat is soft and pulling away from the bone.

You should be able to push a fork into the meat easily. If the ribs still feel firm or chewy, they need more time.

Short ribs are not like steak. You are not aiming for rare or medium rare. You are cooking them until the connective tissue breaks down and the meat becomes tender.

Can You Make the Sauce Thicker?

Yes, and it is worth doing if you want a richer gravy.

Once the beef ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and boil it over a medium-high heat until it reduces and thickens.

You can also thicken the sauce with a cornflour slurry. Mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 1 tbsp cold water, stir it into the sauce, and simmer until thickened.

Can You Cook Beef Ribs in the Oven Instead?

Yes, beef short ribs cook very well in the oven.

If your slow cooker is too small, the oven may actually be easier. Place the beef ribs in a casserole dish with stock, vegetables, sauce or marinade, cover with a lid or foil, and cook low and slow until tender.

As a guide, cook beef short ribs at 180°C, 160°C fan, Gas Mark 4 for around 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat starts to fall off the bone.

We’ll cover this properly in a separate beef ribs in oven recipe, because oven beef ribs deserve their own full guide.

Can You Use BBQ Sauce with Slow Cooker Beef Ribs?

Yes, BBQ sauce works really well with slow cooker beef ribs.

You can add BBQ sauce to the slow cooker, or brush it over the ribs at the end and finish them under the grill for a sticky glaze.

If you want a sweeter, stickier finish, remove the cooked ribs from the slow cooker, brush with BBQ sauce, then place under a hot grill for a few minutes until bubbling and caramelised.

Our homemade BBQ sauce would work brilliantly here.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Ribs

Slow cooker beef ribs are rich and hearty, so they work well with simple sides.

Good options include mashed potatoes, chips, wedges, rice, roast potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, green vegetables, mac and cheese, roasted carrots or crusty bread.

You can also shred the meat and serve it in rolls, tacos, wraps, loaded fries or rice bowls.

Browse our full beef range or BBQ essentials collection for more slow-cooking ideas.

Tips for Better Slow Cooker Beef Ribs

• Split the ribs into individual bones if your slow cooker is small.
• Brown the ribs before slow cooking for more flavour.
• Cook on low if you have time.
• Do not rush beef short ribs; they need time to become tender.
• Use enough liquid to create a good sauce, but do not drown the ribs.
• Reduce the cooking liquid afterwards if you want a thicker gravy.
• Finish with BBQ sauce under the grill if you want sticky ribs.
• If the meat is still tough, cook it for longer.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker beef ribs are rich, tender and full of flavour when cooked properly.

The key is to give the beef short ribs time. Split them into individual ribs if needed, brown them well, cook them low and slow, then reduce the sauce or glaze them at the end.

They are not a quick meal, but they are absolutely worth the wait.

FAQs

Can you cook beef ribs in the slow cooker?

Yes, beef ribs cook very well in the slow cooker. Cook them low and slow until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.

How long do beef ribs take in the slow cooker?

Beef ribs usually take around 8 hours on low, or 5 to 6 hours on high, depending on their size and thickness.

Do you need to split beef short ribs before slow cooking?

If the ribs are too large for your slow cooker, split them into individual ribs before cooking. This makes them easier to fit and helps them cook evenly in the sauce.

Should you brown beef ribs before slow cooking?

Browning beef ribs first is recommended because it gives the meat and sauce more flavour, but you can skip it if you are short on time.

What liquid should you use for slow cooker beef ribs?

Beef stock works well. You can also add tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, red wine, onions, garlic, herbs or spices for extra flavour.

Can you cook beef ribs in the oven instead?

Yes, beef short ribs can be cooked in a covered dish at 180°C, 160°C fan, Gas Mark 4 for around 3 to 4 hours, or until tender.

Why are my beef ribs tough?

Beef ribs are usually tough because they have not cooked for long enough. Keep cooking them until the meat softens and pulls away from the bone.