Poor Man’s Summer Ribs-Slow Cooker

Poor Man’s Summer Ribs-Slow Cooker: When I want a dinner that is easy to make but still tastes like a big, cozy meal, this slow cooker rib recipe is one of my go-to picks. It uses cheap and simple beef flanken ribs, a bottle of everyday barbecue sauce, and a handful of pantry items to make a sweet and savory sauce while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.

You can serve these soft, juicy ribs with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or thick pieces of bread to soak up the tasty sauce. If you want summer sides, try coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a cool cucumber salad. These fresh and crunchy sides go really well with the rich, saucy beef.

These slow cooker ribs turn a few simple items into a rich, saucy dinner with almost no effort. Frozen beef flanken ribs cook low and slow with barbecue sauce, onions, and a touch of brown sugar until fall-apart tender. It’s a budget-friendly, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back summer dinners with your favorite sides.

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 2 ½ to 3 pounds frozen raw beef flanken ribs
• 1 ½ cups plain barbecue sauce (any basic brand works)
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Poor Man’s Summer Ribs: Directions

1. Get the slow cooker ready. If you want easier cleanup later, lightly rub a little oil or cooking spray inside the slow cooker bowl. Take half of your sliced onion and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
2. Add the ribs and toppings. Lay the frozen beef flanken ribs on top of the onions in a flat, even layer so they cook evenly. Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, spreading it around so every piece gets covered. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce on top, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over everything. Finish by scattering the rest of the onion slices on top.
3. Cover and cook. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is super soft and falls apart easily, and the sauce has turned thick and rich.
4. Serve it up. Gently lift the ribs out with tongs or a large spoon and place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the warm sauce and soft onions right over the top so every bite is full of flavor. Serve hot with your favorite sides.