How long to cook beef ribs in crock pot

These slow cooker beef ribs are the perfect recipe for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs. The best part is, you can enjoy them with your family without heating up the kitchen or standing over a grill.

One of my favorite ways to slow cook meat is by using a combination of bottled barbecue sauce, fresh lemon, fresh onion, and a bottle or can of Coca Cola. Yep, coke is my secret ingredient! Each ingredient plays a key role in tenderizing and infusing the meat with flavor and the blend of the four together is finger-licking good.

Of course, being able to toss and go makes this an even better recipe. Throw it in before you head out for the day and have a barbecue feast waiting when you come home! But if you wanted to make them in the oven, here is my recipe for oven-baked baby back ribs.

Super easy and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. What more could you want, right? If you’re on the hunt for more easy slow cooker recipes to enjoy, this post features 13 slow cooker recipes to get you started!

How long to cook beef ribs in crock pot

Recipe Ingredients

  • Country beef ribs (or ribs of your choice)
  • Bottle of barbecue sauce
  • Onion
  • Can or bottle of Coca Cola
  • Lemon

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Ribs

Place the ribs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over (reserve about 1/2 cup). Pour the coke over. Toss in the lemon and onion. 

(As long as your ribs will easily fit in this slow cooker, the number of ingredients are the same).

Cook this on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

I prefer to go on the longer end of cooking time so that the meat is extra tender. So for me, that would be low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. 

Serve with reserved bbq sauce for dipping or topping.

How long to cook beef ribs in crock pot

Yum! There is so much flavor in this fall-apart tender beef!

How long to cook beef ribs in crock pot

Enjoy! I like to serve these with my perfect roasted vegetables to keep the meal low fuss and delicious. 

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can either reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before following the above reheating instructions.

Recipe Notes

  • If you like, you can caramelize your bbq ribs under the broiler in your oven after slow cooking. It only takes a few minutes, but this will ensure they’re nice and caramelized before serving. However, this step isn’t necessary. You can also put them on the grill for a few minutes too, if you prefer.
  • For more spice, add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
  • To make this an even easier recipe without unnecessary clean-up, use a slow cooker liner in your crockpot. You can find them in your grocery store where you get the aluminum foil and plastic bags.
  • If you prefer Dr. Pepper instead of Coca Cola, you can totally use a can of that instead.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of beef ribs do I use in this recipe?

You can use whichever beef ribs you like. Whether that’s boneless short ribs or bone short ribs, the choice is yours.

What do I serve with my crock pot beef ribs?

I mentioned above that I love serving my beef ribs with roasted vegetables, like carrot, potato, and Brussel sprouts. But you could also serve your crock pot ribs sprinkled with green onion and on a bed of mashed potato, garlic mashed potato, or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version.

Alternatively, serve your ribs with coleslaw, corn, and a side of cornbread. Or opt for baked beans and biscuits! All of these options are so tasty!

You may also enjoy these other sensational slow cooker recipes: 

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Tuscany Pot Roast and Veggies

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers in Crockpot

Beef Stew Recipe for Slow Cooker

Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe (Southern-Style)

Crock Pot Lasagna

How long to cook beef ribs in crock pot

Crock Pot Beef Ribs

These crock pot beef ribs are super easy to make and result in tender melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs, best served with roasted vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beef

Servings: 4

Calories: 532kcal

Ingredients

  • country beef ribs or ribs of your choice
  • 1 18-ounce bottle spicy BBQ sauce or bbq sauce of your choice, reserve ½ cup.
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 1 onion chopped or quartered
  • 10-12 ounces Coca Cola

Instructions

  • Place the ribs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over (reserve about 1/2 cup). Pour coke over. Toss in the lemon and onion.

    country beef ribs or ribs of your choice, 1 18-ounce bottle spicy BBQ sauce, 1 lemon, 1 onion, 10-12 ounces Coca Cola

  • Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

  • Serve with reserved bbq sauce for dipping or topping.

    1 18-ounce bottle spicy BBQ sauce

Notes

As long as your ribs will easily fit in this slow cooker, the number of other ingredients are the same.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal

Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

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How long should ribs be in the crock pot?

How long to cook ribs in a crock pot? With the slow cooker set to low, give the slow cooker ribs about 5-6 hours to fully cook. They will come out super juicy and tender, ready to eat! You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours, but I recommend using the low setting if you have the time.

How do you know when ribs are done in crock pot?

Place onion, sliced garlic, water and ribs in a slow cooker. Cook ribs on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until fork tender.

Do you need liquid in a slow cooker for ribs?

Don't worry that the ribs go into the slow cooker without liquid; the heat is gentle enough that the ribs do not burn, and the meat releases liquid as it cooks, so it braises in its own spiced juices.

How long do uncooked ribs take to cook?

If wrapped in foil, the ribs can go for up to 3 hours at 300°F degrees, or crank the oven up to 400 degrees for a briefer baking time—1.5 to 2 hours. Great big beef dino ribs need even longer in the oven and it's best to keep them covered so they don't dry out.