Description

Craving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a rich, smoky BBQ flavor? Farm-Style BBQ Ribs are your answer! These beef short ribs are slow-cooked to perfection in a zesty, homemade BBQ sauce packed with tomato, brown sugar, and spices

Ingredients

Farm-Style BBQ Ribs use pantry staples to create a robust, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Bone-In Beef Short Ribs (4 pounds): Rich, meaty ribs that become tender and flavorful after slow cooking, with bones adding depth to the sauce.
Thick and Zesty Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): The base of the BBQ sauce, providing a bold, tangy tomato flavor.
Water (1-1/2 cups): Thins the sauce for cooking, allowing it to coat the ribs evenly.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth as it softens during cooking.
Tomato Paste (1 can, 6 ounces): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Brings sweetness and a caramel-like richness to balance the tanginess.
Cider Vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, tangy kick to cut through the richness.
Worcestershire Sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides umami and savory depth to the sauce.
Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a mild heat and smoky undertone.
Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Adds bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Ground Mustard (2 teaspoons): Brings a zesty, slightly spicy note to complement the BBQ flavor.
Salt (1-1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Ribs: Swap beef short ribs for pork spare ribs or country-style pork ribs (cooking time may vary slightly, check at 6 hours).
Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or a low-sodium version for a chunkier or healthier sauce.
Brown Sugar: Replace with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener for a different sweetness.
Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a similar tang.
Chili Powder: Reduce to 1 tablespoon for less heat or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for a spicier kick.
Add-Ins: Stir in 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.

Pro Tip: Choose well-marbled short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness, and trim excess fat to reduce greasiness.

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Instructions

Making Farm-Style BBQ Ribs is simple with a saucepan and slow cooker. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:

Prep the Ribs:
- Place 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Tip: Trim excess fat from the ribs and arrange in a single layer for even cooking.
Make the BBQ Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, combine 1 can (15 ounces) thick and zesty tomato sauce, 1-1/2 cups water, 1 medium chopped onion, 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 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons ground mustard, and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Combine and Cook:
- Pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
- Tip: Check at 6 hours; ribs should be fork-tender but not falling apart completely.
Serve:
- Transfer ribs to a serving platter. Spoon sauce over the ribs or serve it on the side.
- Tip: Skim excess fat from the sauce before serving for a smoother texture.

Cooking Tips:

Coat Evenly: Turn ribs in the sauce before cooking to ensure full flavor coverage.
Check Tenderness: Use a fork to test if the meat pulls away easily; if not, cook for an additional 30-60 minutes.
Thicken Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, simmer it in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes after cooking to reduce.