How Long to Cook Beef Ribs in a Crock Pot for Perfectly Tender Results

Beef ribs cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker can be fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious. The low slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender while infusing it with flavor. While cooking times can vary based on the cut and thickness of the ribs following some simple guidelines will help you achieve rib perfection in your crock pot.

Choosing the Right Cut of Ribs

When selecting beef ribs for the crockpot opt for ribs with a good amount of marbling and meat on the bones. The best cuts of ribs for crockpots include

• Beef short ribs: Cut from the boneless plate primal, beef short ribs contain a lot of connective tissue that breaks down into luscious, fork-tender meat after hours of slow cooking. The meat is also nicely marbled with fat, keeping the ribs juicy.

• Back ribs: Taken from the upper rib section close to the spine, back ribs have a good meat-to-bone ratio. They contain less connective tissue than short ribs, so cook up a little quicker.

• Dinosaur or beef spare ribs: From the underside of the rib primal, these flavorful ribs are meatier than back ribs. Well-marbled with fat, they remain moist and tender.

No matter the cut, look for ribs with fresh, red meat and white fat marbling when purchasing. Avoid ribs with dry, dull or brown spots.

Prepping the Ribs for the Crockpot

Proper prep is key for flavorful, tender ribs:

• Trim excess fat: Trim off any large fatty areas to prevent the cooking liquid from becoming greasy. Leave a thin layer of fat for moisture and flavor.

• Remove membrane: The silvery membrane covering the ribs can cause them to curl during cooking. Use a knife to carefully lift and cut away this membrane before cooking.

• Season generously: Rub ribs all over with a dry seasoning blend. Include salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, paprika and cumin.

• Brown in a skillet (optional): Quickly browning the ribs in a skillet before slow cooking adds caramelized flavor.

• Add vegetables: Mirepoix vegetables like onions, carrots and celery lend richness.

• Use flavorful liquid: For braising, use broth, beer, wine, barbecue sauce or a combo.

Crockpot Cooking Times for Beef Ribs

Cooking times vary based on the cut and thickness of the ribs:

• Short ribs: Cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.

• Back ribs: Require 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

• Dinosaur/spare ribs: Need about 7-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook for longer times. Check for doneness at the end of the cooking time by sticking a fork in the meat and twisting gently. If the fork slides out easily, the ribs are done.

Crockpot Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for fabulous crockpot ribs:

• Don’t overcrowd the crock. Ribs need room to cook evenly.

• Put vegetables in first, then ribs on top to prevent sticking.

• Flip ribs halfway through cooking for even doneness.

• Add more liquid if needed to keep ribs braising.

• Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid after cooking.

• Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

• Finish ribs under the broiler or on the grill for caramelization.

Flavorful Crockpot Beef Rib Recipes

Balsamic & Brown Sugar Short Ribs

Cook 4 lbs short ribs with 1 cup balsamic vinegar, 1⁄2 cup beef broth, 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme on low 8-10 hours.

Cola Beef Back Ribs

In the crockpot, cover 31⁄2 lbs back ribs with 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1⁄2 cup cola, 2 chopped onions, and 1 chopped lemon. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

Red Wine Braised Dinosaur Ribs

Brown 5 lbs dinosaur ribs in a skillet, then place in crockpot. Add 1 cup red wine, 1 cup beef broth, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook on low 7-9 hours.

Beer & BBQ Spare Ribs

Rub 31⁄2 lbs spare ribs with Cajun seasoning. Put in crockpot with one 12-ounce beer, 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce, 1 sliced onion and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Garlic & Herb Short Ribs

Coat 41⁄2 lbs short ribs with a blend of 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs, 1 tsp celery salt, 1⁄2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Place in crockpot with 2 cups beef broth. Cook 8-10 hours on low.

Beef ribs transform into fork-tender perfection with the long, slow cooking of the crockpot. Allowing 6-10 hours of cooking on low or 3-6 hours on high produces ribs so tender the meat pulls right off the bone. Follow the prep tips, recommended cooking times and flavorful recipe ideas for your best beef ribs yet. Your family will be begging for second helpings!