Smoky Chipotle BBQ Short Ribs: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner

This is the set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Just layer beef short ribs, chipotle peppers, honey, and barbecue sauce in a slow cooker, then walk away. Hours later, you'll have tender, smoky-sweet ribs that fall off the bone. Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend meal, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest approach is the most delicious.

There are few things more satisfying than coming home to the aroma of dinner already made. These Smoky Chipotle BBQ Short Ribs are exactly that: a dump-and-go slow cooker meal that turns humble ingredients into a spectacular main course.

The combination of spicy chipotle, sweet honey, and tangy barbecue sauce creates a glaze that clings to every bite. The short ribs cook low and slow until they're so tender they practically melt. Serve them with your favorite sides, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker is the ultimate tool for tough cuts like beef short ribs. The low, moist heat gently breaks down the collagen in the meat, transforming it into gelatin that keeps the meat succulent and tender.

Over hours of cooking, the connective tissue dissolves, and the meat becomes so soft it falls apart at the touch of a fork. This method requires no searing or browning—just layer the ingredients and let time work its magic.

The combination of chipotle peppers and honey provides a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The chipotle peppers bring a deep, smoky spiciness, while the honey rounds out the edges and helps create a sticky glaze.

The barbecue sauce acts as the base, adding richness and a familiar tang. As the ribs cook, the flavors meld and concentrate, resulting in a complex sauce that's far more than the sum of its parts.

Notes and substitutions

Choose bone-in beef short ribs for the best flavor and texture. The bones add richness to the sauce and help keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. Look for ribs that are well-marbled with fat; this fat renders down and keeps the meat juicy. If you can only find boneless short ribs, they'll work, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.

The barbecue sauce is a key player, so use one you genuinely enjoy. A thick, smoky Kansas City-style sauce works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite regional style.

Chipotle peppers in adobo are available in small cans in the international aisle of most supermarkets. They pack a punch, so adjust the amount to your heat preference. For a milder version, use just the adobo sauce and skip the peppers.

• bone-in beef short ribs: Boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• chipotle peppers in adobo: 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder mixed with 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar
• thick barbecue sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Serving plate
• Carving fork