How to Make Country Style Beef Ribs in a Crock Pot

With the cool autumn breeze rustling through the trees, we begin to crave something warm and comforting. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tender, fall-off-the-bone country style beef ribs slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot. This simple recipe will bring your family together, enjoying every bite of these melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful ribs.

Country-style beef ribs, known for their rich flavor and tender texture, are a true treat when cooked low and slow. These ribs, unlike their more delicate counterparts, have a bold flavor that intensifies as they cook slowly in your slow cooker. The secret is in the extended cooking time, which breaks down tough connective tissues into tender, juicy meat that nearly falls off the bone.

Key Takeaways

• Country style beef ribs are perfect for slow cooking in a crock pot
• The long cooking time breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy meat
• A simple spice rub and root beer sauce infuse the ribs with incredible flavor
• Crockpot cooking delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort
• Pair these ribs with mashed potatoes or other comforting sides for a hearty meal

Understanding Country Style Beef Ribs

Country-style beef ribs are special because of their unique features. They are more compact and tender than other cuts, with great marbling that provides juiciness without being overly fatty.

Select ribs with uniform marbling and a thin layer of fat on top. The fat melts as it cooks, infusing the meat with juiciness and rich flavor.

What Makes Country Style Ribs Different

Country-style ribs look darker than other cuts. This is because of natural aging. It doesn’t mean the meat is bad.

The dark color shows the ribs have aged well. This aging process makes the meat taste richer.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When picking country-style ribs, check the marbling. Greater marbling results in more tender and flavorful meat. Prime grade ribs taste better than choice grade.

Bone-in ribs stay juicier than boneless ones. This makes them more tender and satisfying to eat.

The Role of Marbling in Flavor

Marbling is key to great country-style beef ribs. As the fat melts, it flavors the meat from the inside. More marbling means a stronger beef taste.

So, it’s important to pick ribs with good marbling. This ensures the best flavor and texture.

“The key to perfect country-style beef ribs lies in the marbling. Choose cuts with plenty of fat for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful results.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock Pot Ribs

To make the ultimate slow-cooked country style barbecue beef ribs, you need the right ingredients. Start with 3-4 lbs of tender, marbled country style beef ribs. Then, mix in a blend of pantry staples to enhance their flavor.

• Root beer – This secret ingredient adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the savory beef.
• Vanilla extract – When combined with the root beer, the vanilla creates a decadent, finger-licking worthy gravy.
• Soy sauce adds a rich, savory umami flavor.
• Garlic salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – The classic seasonings that enhance the natural beefiness.
• Tarragon and bay leaves – These aromatic herbs infuse the slow cooker ribs with fragrant complexity.
• McCormick Onion Gravy mix – This handy blend helps thicken the gravy to a luxurious consistency.

With these essential slow cooker ingredients, you’re ready to make the most tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue beef ribs your family will love.

Preparing Your Country Style Beef Ribs

To make the perfect beef rib recipe, start with the right prep. Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the country-style beef ribs. This makes the seasonings get into the meat better and keeps the texture even.

Creating the Perfect Spice Rub

Making a great spice rub is key for seasoning beef ribs right. Combine 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. For a bit more heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Massage the mixture into the ribs, ensuring every part is coated.

Marinating Options

Marinating the ribs can boost their flavor even more. Mix 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and your favorite sauce. This could include barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or teriyaki sauce. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before cooking.

With these beef rib recipe tips, you’ll create tender and flavorful country-style beef ribs. They’ll be so delicious, everyone will be asking for seconds.

The Secret Root Beer Sauce Recipe

The key to perfect barbecue beef ribs is all in the sauce. Introducing a mouthwatering root beer sauce recipe. It transforms your country-style ribs into a burst of flavor. This unique blend of ingredients adds depth and sweetness, making your slow-cooked dish rich and decadent.

The secret to this sauce is a blend of a 12-ounce bottle of “fancy” root beer, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. The root beer adds a subtle carbonation and caramelized sweetness. The vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor, while the soy sauce introduces a savory umami that balances the taste. Together, they create a harmonious blend that perfectly enhances the tender barbecue beef ribs.

To make this delicious sauce, whisk together the root beer, vanilla extract, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Heat it gently until it simmers, then let it reduce, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. The result is a thick, glossy sauce that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Brush this root beer sauce generously over your slow-cooked ribs. Do this during the final hour of cooking or as a final touch before serving. The caramelized edges and the rich, savory-sweet flavors will have everyone coming back for more.

“The root beer sauce is the secret weapon that takes these country-style ribs to the next level. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it just melts in your mouth.”

Step-by-Step Slow Cooking Process

To get perfect slow-cooked country style beef ribs, follow a few steps. First, put the trimmed and seasoned ribs in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chopped onions and bay leaves, then pour in homemade root beer sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours, until the meat is tender.

Temperature Settings and Timing

Cook the ribs on low for 6 hours for the best taste. If you’re in a hurry, cook them at 325°F in the oven for 2.5 hours. The aim is to cook the ribs until they are tender enough to fall off the bone.

Basting Techniques

• Every 1-2 hours, baste the ribs with the cooking liquid to keep them moist.
• Use a basting brush or spoon to evenly coat the ribs with sauce.
• This step ensures the ribs stay juicy and flavorful.

When to Add Additional Ingredients

After 6 hours, add the finishing touches. Mix in the gravy mix and cook for another 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. This lets the gravy thicken and the flavors meld.

By following these steps, you’ll make slow cooker beef ribs that everyone will love. Savor the delicious results of your efforts!

Creating the Perfect Gravy

Elevate your country-style beef ribs with the perfect gravy. This rich, savory sauce is the ideal complement to the tender meat. Simply follow these easy steps to make the perfect beef rib gravy:

1. Carefully remove 2 cups of the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
2. In a separate saucepan, combine the cooking liquid with an onion au jus packet. Whisk well to mix the packet’s contents.
3. Simmer the gravy until it thickens to your liking. For a richer texture, make a cornstarch slurry. Combine 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water. Gradually whisk it into the simmering gravy.
4. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning. Season with additional salt or pepper to taste.

Now that you have the perfect beef rib gravy, you’re almost there. Drizzle the gravy over the tender ribs. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and tasty meal.

“The secret to a great gravy lies in the depth of flavor from the cooking liquid. By utilizing the natural juices, you can create a gravy that truly complements the rich, beefy notes of the country-style ribs.”

Tips for Achieving Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Results

To get your country-style beef ribs just right, focus on keeping them moist and checking for doneness. With a few easy tips, your ribs will be so tender, they’ll melt in your mouth every time.

Moisture Control Methods

Keeping your tender beef ribs juicy is key. Here are a few ways to do it::

• Keep the slow cooker lid on to retain steam and moisture.
• Don’t open the lid too often, as it can let heat and moisture escape.
• For oven cooking, use a covered pan or Dutch oven to retain moisture.
• Allow the tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread evenly.

Testing for Doneness

Knowing when your tender beef ribs are done is crucial. Here’s how to check:

1. The meat should shred easily with a fork. If it’s still tough, cook it a little longer.
2. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. It should be 190-200°F for tender ribs.
3. Try pulling the meat gently. If it easily pulls off the bone, it’s ready.

By using these methods for moisture and doneness, you’ll make ribs that are so tender, they’ll be unforgettable.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

When you serve your delicious country-style beef ribs, the right side dish can make a big difference. Options like creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful baked beans are perfect. They complement the tender, flavorful ribs beautifully.

Serving the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes is a classic choice. The potatoes’ soft texture and mild taste are a great match for the rich beef. Adding a ladle of beef rib gravy on top makes it even more special.

• Baked beans are another excellent side to pair with the beef ribs. Their sweet, smoky taste balances the meat’s richness.
• Crisp green beans or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast. They provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender ribs.
• Rice or egg noodles are also good choices. They absorb the flavorful juices from the ribs beautifully.

Choosing the right side dishes is key. They should enhance the meal and balance the flavors of the beef rib sides and mashed potatoes. With a touch of creativity, you can create a meal that’s truly unforgettable.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your homemade country-style beef ribs fresh is key. Follow these tips to make sure they stay delicious. This way, your leftovers will taste as good as the first time you cooked them.

Storing Beef Ribs

Put leftover beef ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Ribs

Ready to enjoy your reheating ribs? There are several ways to reheat them without drying them out:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs in a baking dish, add sauce or broth, and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, add sauce or broth, and microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot, about 2-3 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Warm the ribs in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until hot.

Choose your reheating method, but always let the ribs rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices spread evenly.

For perfectly reheated beef ribs, add moisture. Use sauce, broth, or water to keep them moist during reheating.

Conclusion

This easy crock pot country style beef ribs recipe is a hit with minimal effort. It combines root beer, vanilla, and traditional seasonings for a rich taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Try different barbecue sauces or add your own twist to make it yours.

Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a beginner with country-style beef ribs, this slow cooker method will impress you. The secret is choosing the right meat, preparing it well, and letting it slow cook. With a tasty root beer sauce, you’ll get tender ribs that everyone will love.

For a comforting and flavorful meal, try this crock pot country style beef ribs recipe. Serve it with your favorite sides. Savor the tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that slow cooking perfects.