This Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs recipe is smoky and fall-off-the-bone tender, which includes root beer and your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 5 hours and 10 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs Ingredients
- 2 ½–3 lbs Beef Back Ribs
- 1 ½ cups Root Beer
- 3 cups BBQ Sauce (reserve ⅓ cup for basting)
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- Green Onions, as garnish
Dry Rub:
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon White Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Mustard Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs
- Mix and apply dry rub: In a small bowl, combine all dry rub spices. Coat ribs thoroughly with the seasoning and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Add ribs to slow cooker: Place seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. You can cut them into smaller sections if desired.
- Make the sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together root beer, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Reserve ⅓ cup of the sauce, and pour the rest over the ribs.
- Slow cook the ribs: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until ribs are fall-apart tender.
- Broil for caramelization: Transfer ribs to a baking sheet with a wire rack. Brush with the reserved sauce and broil 6 inches from heat for about 4 minutes.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the ribs and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Recipe Tips
- Do I need to remove the membrane? No, but you can if you prefer. Leaving it on helps the ribs hold together during cooking.
- Why use root beer in ribs? It adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
- Can I finish the ribs on the grill instead? Yes, grill over medium heat for 4–6 minutes with the lid closed to caramelize the sauce.
- Best BBQ sauce to use? Choose a thick, smoky sauce for maximum flavor and stickiness.
- How to tell if ribs are done: They should be very tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
What To Serve With Beef Back Ribs
These flavorful ribs pair perfectly with:
- Classic coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Creamy potato salad
How To Store Beef Back Ribs
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap cooled ribs in foil and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with extra BBQ sauce.
Beef Back Ribs Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 572kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 880mg
- Sugar: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I cook these ribs on high instead of low?
It’s not recommended—low and slow cooking ensures tenderness.
Can I use baby back ribs instead?
This recipe is specifically for beef back ribs. Baby back ribs require different timing.
What if I don’t have root beer?
You can substitute with cola, Dr. Pepper, or even apple juice.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes, cook fully and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven with extra sauce before serving.
Do I need to broil the ribs?
Broiling adds caramelization, but you can skip it if you prefer softer ribs.
Try More Recipes:
- Crock Pot Beef And Noodles With Stew Meat
- Crock Pot Beef And Noodles With Gravy
- Crock Pot Beef And Mushrooms
Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings10
minutes5
hours572
kcalTender, smoky beef back ribs slow-cooked in root beer and BBQ sauce, finished under the broiler for that perfect sticky glaze.
Ingredients
2 ½–3 lbs Beef Back Ribs
1 ½ cups Root Beer
3 cups BBQ Sauce (reserve ⅓ cup)
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Green Onions, as garnish
- Dry Rub:
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Allspice
1 tsp Kosher Salt
½ tsp White Pepper
½ tsp Mustard Powder
½ tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
½ tsp Turmeric
1 Tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
Directions
- Combine dry rub spices and coat ribs evenly. Let sit 15 minutes.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together root beer, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire. Reserve ⅓ cup.
- Pour remaining sauce over ribs. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- Transfer ribs to a baking sheet. Brush with reserved sauce and broil 4 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
