Introduction: Craving Hearty, Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs?
Want a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings? Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are the ultimate recipe! These slow-cooker beef short ribs are simmered in a rich, tangy homemade BBQ sauce until they’re tender and packed with flavor. With simple prep, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, delivering a rustic, farm-inspired meal. Ready to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Farm-Style BBQ Ribs Are Special
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are a savory, soul-warming dish that combines tender beef short ribs with a bold, homemade BBQ sauce. The slow-cooker method makes them stand out. Here’s why they’re so special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 5 minutes simmering sauce, 6-8 hours cooking on Low, for a total of about 6.5-8.5 hours (mostly hands-off).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple sauce prep and slow-cooking steps make it perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why It’s Unique: The slow cooker ensures beef short ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while a sauce made with tomato sauce, brown sugar, and chili powder delivers a sweet-spicy-tangy balance. Cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add depth, and the sauce thickens naturally during cooking. This rustic recipe evokes farm-style comfort, ideal for hearty meals or special occasions.
This recipe is robust, versatile, and perfect for rib lovers or fans of BBQ flavors. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe serves 6-8 and uses pantry staples for a flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Ribs:
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 can (15 ounces) thick and zesty tomato sauce
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Beef Short Ribs: Rich, meaty, and tender when slow-cooked, perfect for BBQ.
- Tomato Sauce and Paste: Form a thick, tangy BBQ sauce base.
- Water: Thins the sauce for even cooking.
- Onion: Adds savory sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Balances tang with caramel-like sweetness.
- Cider Vinegar: Brings sharp, tangy depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes savory, umami flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and smokiness.
- Garlic: Enhances with aromatic depth.
- Ground Mustard: Provides a subtle, spicy kick.
- Salt: Seasons the dish for bold flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef Short Ribs: Swap with pork ribs, beef chuck roast, or boneless short ribs (adjust cooking time to 5-7 hours for boneless).
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or plain tomato sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Replace with extra tomato sauce (1/2 cup) and reduce water by 1/4 cup.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup.
- Cider Vinegar: Swap with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Chili Powder: Replace with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 1 teaspoon cumin for a smokier flavor.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce and tomato products are gluten-free.
- Spicy Ribs: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the sauce.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Farm-Style BBQ Ribs is simple, with a quick sauce prep and a hands-off slow-cooker finish. Follow these steps for a perfect dish!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim excess fat from 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs.
- Measure 1 can (15 ounces) thick and zesty tomato sauce, 1-1/2 cups water, 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons each cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground mustard, and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt.
- Chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 4 garlic cloves.
Tip: Trim fat to reduce greasiness; chop onion finely for smoother sauce.
Step 2: Prep the Ribs
- Place Ribs: Arrange beef short ribs in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
Tip: Layer ribs evenly; a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for 4 pounds.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, tomato paste, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, ground mustard, and salt.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; the sauce should coat a spoon lightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Slow Cook
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until ribs are tender and meat pulls away from the bone easily (internal temperature of 190-200°F/88-93°C for optimal tenderness).
Tip: Check at 6 hours; gently turn ribs halfway through if desired to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove Ribs: Use tongs to transfer ribs to a serving platter. Spoon sauce over ribs or serve it on the side.
- Serve: Pair with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked potatoes.
Tip: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving; skim fat from sauce for a cleaner presentation if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are hearty and versatile, perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:
- Family Dinner: Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal.
- BBQ Feast: Pair with baked beans, corn on the cob, or macaroni salad for a summer vibe.
- Game-Day Spread: Offer with sliders, wings, or fries for a crowd-pleasing buffet.
- Potluck Star: Bring ribs with extra sauce for a rustic, shareable dish.
- With Extras: Add a side of pickles, jalapeños, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Cool completely, then store ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to loosen sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Sauce: Prepare sauce up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate in a sealed container.
- Ribs: Trim ribs up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with extra sauce or broth.
Tip: Shred leftover meat for sandwiches or tacos; store sauce separately for versatility.
Recipe Variations
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
- Sweet BBQ Ribs: Increase brown sugar to 1/2 cup or add 2 tablespoons molasses.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and tomato products.
- Lower Sodium: Reduce salt to 1 teaspoon and use low-sodium tomato sauce.
- Smoky Ribs: Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace half the tomato sauce with hoisin sauce and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
- Oven Option: Bake ribs with sauce in a covered dish at 325°F for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
Tip: Keep the tomato base and vinegar for classic BBQ flavor.
Conclusion: Savor Your Farm-Style BBQ Ribs!
You’ve just made Farm-Style BBQ Ribs—a tender, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This slow-cooker recipe is easy, versatile, and so delicious it’ll become a family favorite. Whether you serve them with cornbread or pile on the sauce, these ribs are sure to impress. Grab a plate, dig into the fall-off-the-bone goodness, and enjoy the farm-style vibes. What’s your favorite BBQ side? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
Print
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs
Description
Want a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings? Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are the ultimate recipe! These slow-cooker beef short ribs are simmered in a rich, tangy homemade BBQ sauce until they’re tender and packed with flavor
Ingredients
- For the Ribs:
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 can (15 ounces) thick and zesty tomato sauce
- 1–1/2 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1–1/2 teaspoons salt
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Beef Short Ribs: Rich, meaty, and tender when slow-cooked, perfect for BBQ.
- Tomato Sauce and Paste: Form a thick, tangy BBQ sauce base.
- Water: Thins the sauce for even cooking.
- Onion: Adds savory sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Balances tang with caramel-like sweetness.
- Cider Vinegar: Brings sharp, tangy depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes savory, umami flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and smokiness.
- Garlic: Enhances with aromatic depth.
- Ground Mustard: Provides a subtle, spicy kick.
- Salt: Seasons the dish for bold flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef Short Ribs: Swap with pork ribs, beef chuck roast, or boneless short ribs (adjust cooking time to 5-7 hours for boneless).
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or plain tomato sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Replace with extra tomato sauce (1/2 cup) and reduce water by 1/4 cup.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup.
- Cider Vinegar: Swap with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Chili Powder: Replace with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 1 teaspoon cumin for a smokier flavor.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce and tomato products are gluten-free.
- Spicy Ribs: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the sauce.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim excess fat from 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs.
- Measure 1 can (15 ounces) thick and zesty tomato sauce, 1-1/2 cups water, 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons each cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground mustard, and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt.
- Chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 4 garlic cloves.
Tip: Trim fat to reduce greasiness; chop onion finely for smoother sauce.
Step 2: Prep the Ribs
- Place Ribs: Arrange beef short ribs in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
Tip: Layer ribs evenly; a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for 4 pounds.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, tomato paste, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, ground mustard, and salt.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; the sauce should coat a spoon lightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Slow Cook
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until ribs are tender and meat pulls away from the bone easily (internal temperature of 190-200°F/88-93°C for optimal tenderness).
Tip: Check at 6 hours; gently turn ribs halfway through if desired to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove Ribs: Use tongs to transfer ribs to a serving platter. Spoon sauce over ribs or serve it on the side.
- Serve: Pair with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked potatoes.
Tip: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving; skim fat from sauce for a cleaner presentation if desired.
FAQs
Q: Are Farm-Style BBQ Ribs healthy?
A: Beef short ribs are rich in protein but high in fat. Use leaner cuts, reduce sugar, or pair with veggies for a lighter meal. The sauce adds sodium, so low-sodium options help.
Q: Can I use pork ribs instead?
A: Yes! Use 4 pounds bone-in pork ribs; cook for 6-8 hours on Low. Pork may be slightly fattier, so skim extra fat from the sauce.
Q: Why are my ribs tough?
A: Undercooking or insufficient sauce can cause this. Cook for at least 6 hours, ensuring ribs are submerged in sauce. Low and slow is key for tenderness.
Q: Can I cook this on High?
A: Yes, cook on High for 3-4 hours, checking for tenderness (190-200°F/88-93°C). Low is better for fall-off-the-bone texture, but High works for faster meals.
Q: Can I thicken the sauce further?
A: Yes, after cooking, transfer sauce to a saucepan and simmer with a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water for 1-2 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze Farm-Style BBQ Ribs?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked ribs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven or slow cooker with extra sauce.