How to Make Country Style Beef Ribs in a Slow Cooker
The cool autumn breeze brings a cozy feeling to the kitchen. The smell of slow-cooked beef ribs fills the air. It reminds me of grandma’s Sunday dinners, where we all looked forward to the delicious ribs.
Country-style beef ribs are not just tasty. They also warm the heart and soul. If you want to enjoy this comfort, you’re in the right place. I’ll show you how to make these ribs in your slow cooker. Get ready for tender meat and rich flavors that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Understanding Country Style Beef Ribs
Country style beef ribs are a slow-cooked gem. They taste like a chuck roast, rich and tender. Whether bone-in or boneless, choose high-quality meat for great taste.
Differences Between Bone-in and Boneless Ribs
Bone-in and boneless country style beef ribs both work well in slow cookers. Bone-in ribs have deeper flavor, while boneless are easier to portion. Aim for 3-4 lbs for most recipes.
Best Cuts for Slow Cooking
Choose beef cuts with a fatty layer for slow cooking. This fat bastes the meat, making it tender. Avoid lean cuts to prevent dryness.
Selecting Quality Meat
Get quality meat from a trusted butcher or grocer. Fresh country style beef ribs taste better than frozen. Frozen ribs might need more cooking time.
| Characteristic | Fresh Ribs | Frozen Ribs |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Richer, more intense | May be slightly less flavorful |
| Texture | Tender and juicy | May be slightly more fibrous |
| Cooking Time | Slightly less | May require slightly more |
| Availability | Limited by season and location | Available year-round |
Understanding country style beef ribs and choosing the right beef cuts leads to tender, flavorful dishes. Your slow cooker will thank you.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Ribs
To make delicious country-style beef ribs in your slow cooker, you need the right ingredients. The secret to tender and flavorful ribs is in the seasonings, sauces, and aromatics you choose.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Country-style beef ribs | 3-4 lbs |
| Root beer | 1 can |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried tarragon | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| McCormick Onion Gravy mix (or substitute) | 1 packet |
Begin with 3-4 lbs of country-style beef rib ingredients. This cut is ideal for slow cooking. You’ll also need a can of root beer, vanilla extract, soy sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. Add onion powder, dried tarragon, and bay leaves to the mix. For extra flavor, use McCormick Onion Gravy mix. If you can’t find it, brown or mushroom gravy works too.
With these beef rib ingredients and slow cooker seasonings, you’re set to make amazing slow-cooked country-style beef ribs. Finish with your favorite barbecue sauce for a complete and tasty meal.
Creating the Ultimate Beef Rib Rub
Starting with the perfect dry rub is key to great country-style beef ribs. This mix of spices and seasonings is essential for delicious results in your slow cooker. Let’s look at what makes the ultimate beef rib rub.
Dry Seasonings Blend
The beef rib rub recipe has a mix of dry seasonings. These include:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) each of paprika, mild or medium chili powder, brown sugar, and ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) each of cayenne, garlic powder, and salt
Balancing Flavors
A bit of tarragon adds a light licorice taste. Bay leaves add depth and complexity. Fresh bay leaves are best, but dried ones work too. Just remember to take out the bay leaves before serving.
Storage Tips for Homemade Rub
This beef rib rub can be stored for up to six months in an airtight container. It’s perfect for future slow cooker rib recipes. When you’re ready to use it, apply about 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) on each side of the ribs.
For more flavor, mix 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of the rub with oil, lime juice or cider vinegar, and water. But, always discard any leftover marinade that touched raw meat to avoid contamination.
With the ultimate beef rib rub ready, you’re set to make amazing country-style ribs in your slow cooker. The mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors will impress your guests.
Preparing Country Style Beef Ribs for Cooking
Getting your country style beef ribs ready for the slow cooker is easy but crucial. Start by putting the ribs in the slow cooker or roaster. Then, add a can of root beer, some vanilla extract, and a bit of soy sauce. This mix creates a tasty braising liquid.
Now, it’s time to season the ribs. Sprinkle them with garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Don’t forget to add a pinch of dried tarragon for extra flavor. Finally, place chopped onions around the ribs and season them lightly with the same spices.
This preparation method sets the stage for a slow-cooked masterpiece. The root beer, vanilla, and soy sauce will make the meat sweet and caramelized. The spices will also create a flavorful crust on the ribs.
Remember, the secret to great country style beef ribs is to season and marinate them well. This extra effort will result in tender, flavorful ribs. Your guests will love them and talk about your cooking skills.
Secret Sauce Ingredients
The secret to tender and flavorful country-style beef ribs is the homemade sauce. It mixes root beer and vanilla for a rich, caramelized gravy. This gravy complements the savory meat perfectly. The sauce also gets a boost from Worcestershire and soy sauce.
Root Beer and Vanilla Combination
A 12-ounce bottle of “fancy” root beer is key in this sauce. It adds natural sweetness that caramelizes as the ribs cook. Vanilla extract adds a creamy aroma, making the flavors even more indulgent.
Together, these ingredients create the secret sauce. It makes every bite of the country-style beef ribs a delight.
Adding Depth with Worcestershire and Soy
Worcestershire and soy sauce add depth and complexity to the sauce. They balance the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor. The Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of umami, while soy sauce adds a subtle saltiness.
This makes the secret sauce a well-rounded and irresistible match for the tender beef ribs.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Root Beer (12-ounce bottle) | 1 |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
“The secret sauce is the real star of the show, elevating the already tender and flavorful country-style beef ribs to new heights. The combination of root beer, vanilla, Worcestershire, and soy sauce creates a truly unique and irresistible flavor profile.”
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Method
Preparing country-style beef ribs in a slow cooker is easy and delicious. Follow these steps for the best slow cooker beef rib experience:
- Start by seasoning the beef ribs with your homemade dry rub. Make sure to coat all surfaces for the best flavor.
- Put the seasoned ribs in your slow cooker. If they don’t fit in one layer, stack them carefully.
- Pour in the secret sauce ingredients. Use root beer, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and any extra flavorings. The liquid should cover the ribs halfway.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 hours, basting the ribs with the liquid to keep them moist.
- After 6 hours, the ribs should be tender and fall off the bone. Remove them from the slow cooker and place on a baking sheet.
- Briefly broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the outside and add a delicious crust.
- While broiling, whisk the cooking liquid with a gravy packet or make an au jus. Follow the instructions in the next section.
- Serve the ribs hot with the rich, flavorful gravy. Enjoy with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
This slow cooker method makes tender, juicy beef ribs that fall off the bone. The dry rub, secret sauce, and slow cooking create an amazing flavor. Your family and guests will love it.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Recipe Rating | 5 out of 65 votes |
| Calories per Serving | 816 kcal |
| Servings | 4 people |
| Cooking Time | 6 hours |
| Leftover Storage | 3-4 days in fridge, up to 3 months frozen |
| Beef Rib Quantity | 4 pounds |
| Seasoning Blend | 2 tsp smoked salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried thyme |
| Cooking Temperature | Low setting in 6-quart slow cooker |
| Broiling Time | 2 minutes |
| Nutritional Info per Serving | Calories: 816, Carbs: 2g, Protein: 54g, Fat: 66g, Saturated Fat: 28g, Sodium: 840mg |
“The slow cooker method for these country-style beef ribs is a game-changer. The meat is so tender and flavorful, it practically falls off the bone.”
Optimal Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Preparing country-style beef ribs in a slow cooker requires the right cooking time and temperature. It’s important to cook the ribs at a low temperature. This makes them tender and almost falls off the bone.
Low vs High Temperature Settings
For the best results, use the low setting on your slow cooker. Cook the ribs for 6-8 hours. This long cooking time makes tough meat tender and full of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, use the high setting. Cook the ribs for 4-5 hours then.
How to Test for Doneness
To check if the ribs are done, use a fork. They should be tender and easy to shred. Don’t open the slow cooker lid too often. This can lower the temperature and ruin the ribs. Being patient is key to perfect slow-cooked beef ribs.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | Low | 6-8 hours |
| Slow Cooker | High | 4-5 hours |
| Oven | 325°F | 2.5 hours |
| Oven | 350°F | 30 minutes |
“The secret to tender, fall-off-the-bone country-style beef ribs is all about low and slow cooking. Let the ribs braise until they practically melt in your mouth.”
Creating the Perfect Au Jus Gravy
For a better slow-cooked country-style beef ribs dish, the key is the au jus gravy. This sauce not only goes well with the meat but also makes the dish richer.
The liquid from cooking the ribs is perfect for making au jus. Just heat it in a saucepan until it simmers. Then, mix in 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water. Stir until it thickens to your liking.
To make the gravy even tastier, add some beef rib sauce or extra seasonings. This way, you can make the gravy just how you like it, whether sweet, tangy, or savory.
“The au jus gravy is ready in just 5 minutes and takes this dish to new heights. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the tender, slow-cooked beef ribs.”
Now that the au jus gravy is ready, your beef ribs are a top-notch meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or a salad for a full meal.
The au jus gravy can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 4 months. It’s a great way to make your beef ribs even better.
Best Side Dishes for Beef Ribs
Choosing the right side dishes can make your beef ribs meal even better. You can pick from classic Southern dishes or try something new. Each option brings out the best in the slow-cooked ribs.
Traditional Pairings
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, baked beans, and green beans are always a hit. They go great with beef ribs. Try serving the ribs with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy meal. A bit of parsley adds color and freshness.
Modern Accompaniments
For a fresh take, try sides like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar or a crisp green salad. An Asian-inspired coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing is also a great choice.
It’s all about finding sides that match the bold flavors of the beef rib pairings. Mix and match to get a variety of tastes and textures for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying country-style beef ribs is best when you store and reheat them right. Whether you have leftovers or frozen ribs, these tips will keep them juicy and tasty.
Storing Leftover Beef Ribs
Store leftover beef ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them in the flavorful cooking liquid or gravy to keep them moist.
Reheating Refrigerated Beef Ribs
There are a few ways to reheat your beef ribs. The oven is great because it keeps the ribs tender. Preheat to 275°F (135°C) and cover with liquid or gravy. Reheat for 15-20 minutes.
Or, use the microwave for a quick warm-up. Place ribs in a dish, add some liquid, and heat in 1-2 minute bursts, stirring between each interval.
Reheating Frozen Beef Ribs
Thaw frozen ribs in the fridge overnight before reheating. This slow thaw keeps the meat’s texture and flavor. Then, reheat them like refrigerated ribs.
Always add some cooking liquid or gravy before reheating. This keeps the ribs juicy and flavorful, just like when they were first cooked.
| Reheating Method | Recommended Temperature | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 275°F (135°C) | 15-20 minutes |
| Microwave | 50% power | 1-2 minute intervals |
| Stovetop | Low heat | 5-10 minutes |
| Grill or Smoker | Indirect heat | 10-15 minutes |
Conclusion
Country style beef ribs cooked in a slow cooker are tender and delicious. They’re easy to make and perfect for family dinners or special events. You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste, making it a favorite for comfort food lovers.
These ribs are great if you’re watching your budget or want a hands-off cooking method. They’re juicy and full of flavor, making everyone want more. Your family and guests will love them.
Try slow-cooked country style beef ribs for a tasty treat. They’re a great example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can create a delicious dish. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
