Happy with the way it came out! My church friends were all smiles and admiration.

There's something incredibly comforting about slow-cooked barbecue, especially when it involves beef short ribs. This dish is a nod to those lazy summer afternoons spent with family, where the grill was always going and the air was filled with the sweet, smoky aroma of barbecue. But let's be honest, not all of us have the time to tend to a grill for hours. That's where the slow cooker comes in. It’s perfect for busy folks like us who want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen. These slow cooker BBQ beef short ribs are tender, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.

These BBQ beef short ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. The rich, tangy flavors of the ribs are complemented by the sweetness of baked beans or the crunch of a crisp cucumber salad. Don’t forget to have some extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping!

Servings: 4

3 pounds beef short ribs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.

Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

Once cooked, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to your desired consistency.

Serve the ribs with the sauce drizzled over the top.

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a sweeter barbecue flavor, increase the brown sugar to two tablespoons. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce, such as a smoky chipotle or a tangy mustard-based sauce, to change up the flavor profile. For a more robust flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce mixture overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.