Name: Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce – Slow Cooked Short Ribs: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American BBQ
Ingredients: 4 beef short ribs; 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; Fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish; 1 lemon, sliced

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Nothing says comfort quite like tender, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs slathered in rich BBQ sauce. When you’re craving something truly spectacular, these Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce – Slow Cooked Short Ribs! deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just combine everything in one pan and let your oven do the heavy lifting.

Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs

Let’s talk about what makes beef ribs the undisputed champion of slow-cooking cuts. These magnificent pieces of meat, with their perfect marbling and robust flavor, transform into something truly magical during their long, gentle cooking process. While brisket might get more attention, beef ribs bring unmatched succulence to the table. The bones aren’t just for show – they’re flavor powerhouses, infusing the meat with depth and richness you simply can’t get from boneless cuts.

Create a high-resolution image showcasing a freshly prepared dish of Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce – Slow Cooked Short Ribs, styled for a food blog. The dish should be served on a rustic wooden table with soft natural lighting. The ribs should glisten with the rich, smoky BBQ sauce, with garnishes like fresh herbs and lemon slices placed around the plate for added vibrance. Focus on the texture of the tender meat, with the sauce complementing its deep color. The background should be softly blurred, with subtle props such as a fork, knife, and a small bowl of spices to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The overall mood should convey warmth and deliciousness.

BBQ Beef Ribs Rub

Our signature rub strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy elements. The beauty of this blend lies in its flexibility – you can adjust the proportions to match your taste preferences without compromising the final result.

Beef Ribs

For this recipe, we’re using beef short ribs, the kind that look like shorter versions of prime rib bones. These beauties pack serious flavor and become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Just make sure to avoid pre-brined ribs, as they can throw off the seasoning balance.

Rub Substitutions

Don’t have every spice on hand? No worries. The rub recipe welcomes creativity. Brown sugar can replace white sugar, smoked paprika can stand in for regular paprika, and if you’re spice-shy, dial back the cayenne or skip it entirely. The key is maintaining a balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements.

Beef Ribs Braising Liquid / Homemade BBQ Sauce

Our homemade BBQ sauce pulls double duty – it’s both a braising liquid and the finishing sauce. This approach infuses the meat with flavor throughout the cooking process, eliminating any need for overnight marinating. The sauce develops complexity as it mingles with the meat juices, creating a glaze that’s thick, sticky, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce – Slow Cooked Short Ribs

The cooking process couldn’t be simpler. After coating the ribs with the rub, arrange them in a baking dish, pour over the BBQ sauce mixture, and cover tightly with foil. Then it’s just a matter of letting time work its magic. The meat is done when it’s tender enough to cut with a spoon, usually around the 2.5-hour mark, though you’ve got plenty of wiggle room – these ribs are nearly impossible to overcook.

PRO TIP: Make in Advance

Here’s a secret that’ll make you look like a culinary genius: these ribs actually taste better the next day. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, and the meat becomes even more tender. Plus, any excess fat rises to the surface and can be easily removed once chilled. It’s perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Grilling Option!

Want to add some smokiness? After the slow cook, finish these beauties on the grill. A few minutes over medium-high heat caramelizes the sauce and adds those coveted grill marks. Just watch them closely – the sugar in the sauce can burn quickly.

What to Serve with BBQ Beef Ribs

Classic BBQ sides including creamy coleslaw, baked beans, crusty bread, corn on the cob, and potato salad, served alongside BBQ beef ribs on a rustic table.

Rustic Finger Lickin’ Good Barbecue Sides

Keep it classic with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Corn on the cob and potato salad round out the perfect BBQ plate.

Elegant Fine Dining Style

For a more sophisticated presentation, consider serving these ribs over creamy mashed potatoes with roasted seasonal vegetables. A bright chimichurri or gremolata adds fresh contrast to the rich meat.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between approachable and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering or an elegant dinner party, these BBQ beef ribs deliver restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort. The key lies in quality ingredients and patience – let time do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the anticipation of an incredible meal to come.