Smells Like Delish

  • Recipe Index
  • Reader Favorites
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Newsletter Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Reader Favorites
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Newsletter Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Reader Favorites
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Newsletter Subscribe
×
Home » All Recipes » Beef

Updated: Mar 30, 2026 · Published: Sep 6, 2023 . by Kelly Bloom · This website uses affiliate links. · Leave a Comment

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X
Jump to Recipe
slow cooked beef back ribs on top of mashed potatoes on a plate.

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs are fall-apart tender and full of zesty flavor, thanks to the long, slow cooking process, smoked paprika, and seasonings. Great served over homemade mashed potatoes and drizzled with the self made sauce for a hearty, warming meal during cooler weather.

slow cooked beef back ribs on top of mashed potatoes on a plate.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs Recipe

There's nothing quite like a plate of fall-off-the-bone ribs, and this slow cooker beef back ribs recipe is the perfect way to get them. The slow cooker method of cooking helps to keep the ribs moist and tender, which is perfect for colder weather.

They're also easy to make, you can have these delicious ribs ready to eat in no time.

  • Easy to make. There's no need to babysit the ribs in the oven or on the grill. Just throw them in the slow cooker and let them cook all day long.
  • Delicious. The ribs are cooked in a savory sauce that makes them tender and juicy. The sauce is also versatile, so you can adjust it to your own taste.
  • Perfect for any occasion. It's great for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion. And since it's made in the slow cooker, it's perfect for busy cooks.

Ingredients Overview

The amount of raw beef back ribs per person will depend on the size of the ribs and the appetite of the people you are serving. A good rule of thumb is to allow 2-3 ribs per person.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

beef back ribs on a cutting board with seasonings.

How To Slow Cook Beef Back Ribs

Break out that crockpot or slow cooker and make the juiciest, most tender beef back ribs ever, without hardly lifting a finger!

browning raw ribs in a skillet.
  1. Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the beef back ribs with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and brown for about 5 minutes per side, or until you get good color.
browned ribs in crockpot.
  1. Place the browned beef back ribs in the slow cooker and let sit while you prepare the sauce.
  1. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the empty skillet and bring to medium heat.
sauteing diced onions in a skillet.
  1. Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and saute until softened.
making pan gravy in skillet with onions.
  1. De glaze skillet with the beef broth, scraping bottom of skillet.
pan gravy added on top of beef back ribs in a crockpot.
  1. Add the drained petite diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet. Season to taste with salt and pepper and pour over the browned beef back ribs already in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and set to 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW. Serve beef ribs and savory sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles while hot. Garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Beef Back Ribs Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs are delicious served with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, old fashioned coleslaw, or quick, instant pot corn on the cob, and a green salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as our homemade bourbon barbecue sauce or horseradish sauce.

For spectacular desserts everyone will rave about, see our indulgent Father's Day Dessert ideas.

slow cooked beef back ribs on top of mashed potatoes on a plate.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few substitutions and variations when making slow cooked beef back ribs:

  • You can substitute wind for the broth in the sauce.
  • You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
  • If you want a spicier sauce, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Storage Options

  • Store cooked beef ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat frozen ribs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

Tips for Success

  • For extra flavor, you can add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker.
  • If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook these ribs in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
  • To make the ribs ahead of time, cook them in the slow cooker according to the instructions. Then, let them cool completely and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the ribs in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.

Related Recipes

  • Savory Recipes for Father's Day
  • Secret Grill Master Traeger Recipes
  • Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
  • Instant Pot St Louis Ribs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this beef back ribs recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 2-3 hours, or until tender.

Can I use other types of ribs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork ribs or lamb ribs in this recipe.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

One Pot Dinner Recipes

  • Chicken noodle soup with chicken pieces, egg noodles, carrots, and celery in clear broth, topped with chopped parsley.
    Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
  • A spoonful of enchilada soup with sour cream, cheese, and black olives held above a bowl of more soup.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • Creamy Mexican chicken enchilada black bean soup closeup on the plate on the table. Horizontal top view from above.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • baked apples with walnuts and cranberries.
    Slow Cooker Baked Apples with Cranberry Stuffing

Get The Recipe!

slow cooked beef back ribs on top of mashed potatoes on a plate.
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs are fall-apart tender and full of flavor, thanks to the long, slow cooking process. This warm, hearty recipe is great to make any time, but it's especially when it's cooler.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time4 hours hrs
Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 541kcal
Author: Kelly Bloom
Save the Recipe

📩Email To Your Inbox

Email this recipe to yourself when you can't print, you'll also receive new recipe ideas every week.

Equipment

  • Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock and Lid, Silver (33443)
  • Crock Pot 6 qt Slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for browning ribs
  • 3 lbs Beef back ribs
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil for sauce
  • 1 Shallot chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh, minced
  • ¾ Beef broth
  • 1 cup Tomatoes petite diced, drained
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Chives fresh or dried, for garnish
US Customary - Metric
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the beef back ribs with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and brown for about 5 minutes per side, or until you get good color.
    1 tablespoon Olive oil, 3 lbs Beef back ribs, 1 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • Place the browned beef back ribs in the slow cooker and let sit while you prepare the sauce.
  • Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the empty skillet and bring to medium heat.
    2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and saute until softened. De glaze skillet with the beef broth, scraping bottom of skillet.
    1 Shallot, 2 cloves Garlic, ¾ Beef broth
  • Add the drained petite diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet. Season to taste with salt and pepper and pour over the browned beef back ribs already in the slow cooker.
    1 cup Tomatoes, ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • Cover the slow cooker and set to 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW. Serve beef ribs and savory sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles while hot. Garnish with chopped fresh chives.
    1 tablespoon Chives

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker.
  • If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook these ribs in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
  • To make the ribs ahead of time, cook them in the slow cooker according to the instructions. Then, let them cool completely and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the ribs in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 747mg | Potassium: 1027mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 476IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 6mg

More Ultimate Beef Recipes

  • A bowl of birria stew with shredded meat, topped with chopped onions and cilantro, sits on a green polka dot napkin. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl. Lime halves and tortillas are visible beside it.
    Mexican Beef Birria (Birria de Res)
  • Three crispy birria tacos filled with meat, garnished with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, served on a white plate.
    Quesabirria Tacos (Authentic Recipe with Consome)
  • A sandwich filled with thick slices of roast beef, fresh arugula, and pine nuts, stacked on a wooden board. The sandwich is cut in half and held together with a wooden skewer.
    Leftover Cold Roast Beef Sandwiches
  • Sliced cooked beef roast with a peppery crust, arranged on a wooden cutting board. The meat is juicy with a pink center and seasoned outer layer.
    Oven Roasted Tri-Tip
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Kelly Bloom, Smells Like Delish

Hi, I'm Kelly!

I create recipes that you can get on the table even when you’re tired and in a hurry. From breakfast to dinner, appetizers to desserts you'll find delicious recipes that are easy for busy people to make.

More about me →

Father's Day

  • grilled bbq pork ribs.
    Barbecued Traeger Pork Ribs
  • A hand holds a glass of light golden drink on a wooden coaster, with another similar glass and a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey in the background.
    Classic Boiler Maker Drink
  • air fried country pork ribs with barbecue sauce.
    Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
  • Jar of yellow BBQ sauce with basting brush beside tray of sauced raw drumsticks; jar lid on marble countertop.
    Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
See more Father's Day →

All Recipes

  • pile of hersheys cocoa brownies on a plate.
    Hershey's Fudgy One-Bowl Brownies
  • del frisco's butter cake with ice cream, caramel sauce, and whip cream.
    Del Frisco’s Butter Cake Recipe (Copycat)
  • A bowl of lactose free yogurt topped with granola and fresh berries.
    How To Make Lactose Free Yogurt
  • cut square of coconut pecan topped tornado cake.
    Texas Tornado Cake (Do Nothing Cake)
See more All Recipes →

(edit modern sidebar)

Footer

↑ back to top

ABOUT

  • About SLD
  • Disclaimer

PRIVACY

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility

CONTACT

  • Contact
  • Newsletter

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2026 Smells Like Delish ·All Right Reserved

sitemap

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

Delicious, I'm making this again!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
We really enjoyed this recipe.
Easy to follow and turned out great!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.