Easy Slow-Cooked Country Style Beef Ribs Recipe
1. Introduction
Tender, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this country style beef ribs recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Slowly cooked to perfection using a Dutch oven or slow cooker, this recipe features a savory rub, aromatic herbs, and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a hearty meal at home, these ribs are guaranteed to satisfy.
Table of Contents
2. Ingredients
2.1. For the Beef Ribs
- 3 lbs (1.5 kg) country style beef ribs
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for searing)
2.2. For the Rub
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
2.3. For Additional Flavor
- 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme (or oregano or rosemary, as preferred)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
2.4. For Garnishing
- Freshly chopped parsley or thyme
3. Cooking Instructions
3.1. Step 1: Prepare the Beef Ribs
Pat the boneless beef short ribs or boneless short rib dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Mix the rub ingredients (salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, cayenne, and herbs) in a small bowl.
Generously coat the ribs with the rub, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
3.2. Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Heat the cooking oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the ribs in the hot oil and sear on all sides until a rich, golden crust forms (about 2-3 minutes per side).
3.3. Step 3: Prepare for Slow Cooking
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) if using a Dutch oven, or set your slow cooker to the high-heat setting.
If using a Dutch oven, transfer the seared boneless beef ribs to the pot. If using a slow cooker, place them directly into the slow cooker.
3.4. Step 4: Add the Flavor
If desired, layer the bottom of your cooking vessel with sliced onions or root vegetables to create a flavorful, natural rack for the ribs.
Pour in the Worcestershire or soy sauce, sprinkle brown sugar or drizzle honey, and add beef broth or water. Ensure there’s about an inch of liquid at the bottom to prevent drying out.
3.5. Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with a well-fitting lid. Slow cook for 4-6 hours on high heat, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This step will work perfectly for both beef country ribs crockpot recipe and Dutch oven versions.
3.6. Step 6 (Optional): Reduce the Sauce
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces by half to intensify the flavors.
3.7. Step 7: Final Touch
Pour the reduced sauce over the ribs, coating them evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of flavor and color.
4. Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef country ribs on a large platter, perfect for family-style dining.
Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
Include serving utensils and encourage sharing—these ribs are made for savoring together.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
5.1. Storage
Place any leftover beef country style ribs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5.2. Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or on the stovetop on low heat. Adding a splash of leftover sauce or broth will keep them moist and flavorful.
6. Flavor Variations
6.1. Sweet and Tangy
Replace the rub with a mix of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste for a rich, tangy glaze.
6.2. Spicy BBQ
Use a BBQ sauce or rub with added cayenne or chili powder for smoky heat.
6.3. Herb-Infused
Add sage, basil, or marjoram to the seasoning for a herbaceous twist.
6.4. Asian-Inspired
Swap the rub for a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey for a bold umami kick.
7. Why Choose Boneless Beef Ribs?
When making this country style beef ribs recipe, you may opt for boneless beef short ribs for a more tender, easy-to-eat dish. The boneless beef ribs recipe offers a faster cooking process and more consistent results, especially when using a slow cooker. The absence of bones in boneless short rib cuts means that more of the juicy meat is ready for serving, making it ideal for larger gatherings or busy weeknights.
If you’re looking to make a beef country ribs crockpot recipe, these ribs are perfect for slow cooking. The long, low heat cooks the meat until it’s fall-apart tender, infusing the flavors of the rub and any additional sauces you add. Whether you’re cooking boneless beef ribs or beef country style ribs, you’ll achieve the same mouthwatering tenderness and flavor.
8. Enjoy & Share!
We hope this country style beef ribs recipe becomes a favorite for you and your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your experience, variations, or favorite sides with us—we’d love to hear from you! Prepare to indulge in the ultimate slow-cooked comfort dish, savored one tender bite at a time.
9. FAQs
9.1. What are country style beef ribs?
Country style beef ribs are a cut of beef that comes from the chuck or rib area of the cow. They are typically boneless, with a lot of marbled fat, making them tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
9.2. Can I make a beef country ribs crockpot recipe instead of using the oven?
Yes, you can! Simply sear the ribs and then transfer them to a slow cooker with the other ingredients. Set your slow cooker to the high heat setting and cook for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender.
9.3. How do I get my boneless beef short ribs recipe to be extra tender?
The key to extra tender boneless beef short ribs is slow cooking. Low and slow cooking in the oven or slow cooker allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it juicy and tender.
9.4. Can I substitute the boneless short rib with bone-in ribs?
Yes, you can substitute bone-in ribs for boneless short rib, but keep in mind that bone-in ribs may require slightly longer cooking times. The bones will also add extra flavor.
9.5. How should I serve these beef country style ribs?
Serve these ribs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a tangy BBQ sauce or any of the flavor variations suggested in the recipe.
