If you’re craving a dish that hits every note of smoky, sweet, tender, and downright irresistible, this Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fall-apart beef ribs drenched in a rich cola-infused barbecue sauce, slowly braised to perfection until they melt in your mouth. This recipe is all about deep flavors developing over time, with the ease of hands-off cooking that anyone can master. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, these ribs promise to be the star of your table, delivering juicy, tender bites every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component is crucial for building flavor, adding texture, and creating that signature sticky, caramelized finish you’ll love.
- 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs: The heart of the dish, these meaty ribs offer the perfect balance of fat and tenderness for slow cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural beef flavors.
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil): Perfect for a high smoke point that helps achieve a beautiful sear on the ribs.
- 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce: This unique sauce blends the sweetness and slight acidity of cola with classic barbecue spices for a rich, sticky glaze.
How to Make Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cola BBQ Sauce
Start by making the cola BBQ sauce and setting it aside to cool; this sauce is the magic behind the ribs’ deep, sweet-savory flavor. The cola adds a unique caramel note that complements the beef beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Rest the Short Ribs
Generously season the short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Letting them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes not only helps the seasoning penetrate but also ensures even cooking later. This little wait makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until they develop a deep brown crust on all sides. This caramelization locks in flavor and creates a robust base for the sauce. Once seared, transfer the ribs to an oven-safe baking dish.
Step 4: Braise in Cola BBQ Sauce
Pour the cooled cola BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture, then braise in the oven for 3 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue, rendering the meat tender and succulent. Afterward, remove the foil and cook for an additional 30 minutes uncovered to develop a slightly crisp, caramelized top that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your ribs are ready to be devoured! Serve them hot and juicy, alongside your favorite sides or piled into a sandwich for a truly comforting meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to share.
How to Serve Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a bright color contrast and a fresh taste that cuts through the richness of the ribs. For a bit of heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of spicy mayo can elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad. The richness of the ribs balances out the lighter, crisp textures of these sides perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ribs on slider buns with pickles and extra sauce for a tasty sandwich. Alternatively, place them over a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted vegetables for an elegant dinner plate that feels special but is easy to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered in some of the cooking sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the ribs tightly with some sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ribs in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of extra BBQ sauce during reheating keeps them juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in short ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in short ribs work well and often add extra flavor as the marrow infuses during cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, checking for tenderness.
What can I substitute for cola in the BBQ sauce?
If you prefer not to use cola, a mix of root beer or a sweetened soda can work, or even a combination of apple juice with brown sugar for a similar sweetness and caramel effect.
Is it necessary to sear the ribs before cooking?
Searing is highly recommended because it creates a deep, savory crust that adds complexity to the final flavor. While you can skip it, the end result won’t have the same rich taste or texture.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull apart. The slow braise breaks down the connective tissues, making the meat incredibly soft and juicy. This usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours at 300°F.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After searing, transfer ribs and cola BBQ sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For a crisp finish, place the ribs under a broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about coming home to a plate of tender, juicy ribs bathed in a rich cola barbecue sauce, especially when made from this Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe. With simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and some love, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs recipe features tender, flavorful beef short ribs braised in a rich cola barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then finished in the oven for a slightly crisp top, these ribs make a perfect hearty meal served with classic sides or as a delicious sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Short Ribs
- 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil), as needed
Cola BBQ Sauce
- 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce (ingredients as per your preferred cola BBQ sauce recipe)
Instructions
- Make the Cola BBQ Sauce: Prepare the cola barbecue sauce according to your chosen recipe and set it aside to cool.
- Season the Short Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and even cooking.
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado (or your choice of) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until they are deeply browned on all sides, developing a rich crust. Transfer the seared ribs to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Braise the Ribs: Pour the cooled cola barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours until the ribs are meltingly tender.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the foil and continue cooking the ribs in the oven for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the top of the ribs to become slightly crisp and beautifully browned.
- Serve: Serve the succulent BBQ short ribs immediately, paired with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw, or simply enjoy them as a sandwich between two pieces of bread.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the ribs to rest after seasoning to let the salt and pepper penetrate the meat.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even searing.
- If you don’t have cola BBQ sauce ready, you can make a quick sauce using cola, ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently on the stove or oven.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if your ribs are thicker or thinner than 3-inch pieces.
