Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs

Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add ribs to slow cooker: Place seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. You can cut them into smaller sections if desired.
  3. 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.
  4. Slow cook the ribs: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until ribs are fall-apart tender.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve and garnish: Plate the ribs and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs
Crock Pot Beef Back Ribs

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 Back Ribs

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4-6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

hours 
Calories

572

kcal

Tender, 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.