Crock Pot Barbecue Beef Ribs

Beef ribs are notoriously tough, which is why I go first to the crock pot. This recipe is utterly painless and yields delightful, falling-off-the-bone spare ribs.

• 1 quart tomato sauce. I used my own canned, but most people will want to use two 14 oz. cans.
• 1 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 3 tbsp. onion powder
  
• 6 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. xanthan gum
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 lbs. beef ribs

Mix all the liquid ingredients, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Scatter the xanthan gum over the surface of the liquid, and, using either a whisk or an immersion blender, slowly blend it in until the sauce starts to consistently gel. Add the bay leaves, and ribs. Set to cook for 6 hours.