Description
Enjoy fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy barbecue glaze with this easy slow cooker root beer BBQ beef ribs recipe. The root beer adds a unique caramel sweetness that complements the rich beef flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs (1.3–1.8 kg) beef ribs (short ribs or back ribs)
- 1 can (12 oz / 355 ml) root beer
- 2 cups (480 ml) barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Pat beef ribs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if needed. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add root beer: Place the seasoned ribs in your slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the ribs.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and nearly falling off the bone.
- Drain and sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Discard the cooking liquid. Brush the ribs with a mixture of barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Caramelize (optional but recommended): Place the sauced ribs on a baking sheet. Brush with more barbecue sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
- Serve: Slice the ribs into portions. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Beef ribs require longer cooking times than pork ribs to become tender.
- Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use regular root beer, not diet, for the best caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Finishing the ribs under the broiler creates a desirable smoky, sticky glaze.
- Allow the ribs to rest briefly before slicing to help retain their juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion