Dinner

Slow Cooker Beef Ribs with Homestyle BBQ Sauce Recipe

ByHugo Harnd December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

Slow cooker beef ribs are a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Tender, juicy, and infused with a smoky seasoning blend, these ribs require minimal effort and deliver big on taste. Whether using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy fall-off-the-bone goodness every time.

The image shows a slow cooker filled with three large pieces of dark brown meat covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce. There are a few small green herb pieces scattered on top, and two light-colored bone pieces are visible in the center of the meat. The slow cooker is black and round, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds beef ribs
1/4 cup seasoning rub (see below for homemade blend)
2 cups BBQ sauce
1 cup water (for Instant Pot)
3 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the beef ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, oregano, and cayenne to make the seasoning rub. Press the rub evenly all over the ribs with your hands to coat thoroughly.
Step 3: Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the ribs.
Step 4: Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
Step 5: (For Instant Pot) Pour 1 cup of water or apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside at the bottom.
Step 6: Arrange the seasoned ribs on top of the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
Step 7: Close the lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes.
Step 8: When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure before carefully removing the ribs—they will be hot.
Step 9: Coat the ribs with extra BBQ sauce before serving for maximum flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
Substitute apple cider vinegar for water in the Instant Pot for a tangier finish.
Serve with coleslaw or baked beans to round out this hearty meal.
Try a spicier version by increasing the cayenne pepper or adding chili powder to the rub.

Storage

Store leftover ribs covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil or in the microwave until warmed through. Slow cooker or Instant Pot ribs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black slow cooker with three thick pieces of dark brown meat on the top, each piece attached to a light orange bone that sticks out near the bottom. The meat looks tender with a slightly rough texture and is covered in a rich, dark red sauce that pools around the base. Small bits of green garnish are scattered on and around the meat, adding a touch of color contrast. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pork ribs instead of beef ribs?

Yes, pork ribs can be used with this recipe, but adjust cooking time as pork ribs generally become tender faster than beef ribs, especially in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.

Do I need to add water when cooking ribs in a slow cooker?

No, adding water is not necessary for slow cooker ribs because the BBQ sauce and the ribs’ moisture create enough liquid to cook them gently. However, water or vinegar is needed when using the Instant Pot to create steam for pressure cooking.