Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

Description

Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are a tender, fall-off-the-bone, flavor-packed dish that’s cooked low and slow until perfection. Smothered in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, these ribs are the ultimate comfort food for rib lovers without the fuss of grilling. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

• 3–4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the ribs – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.

2. Season – Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.

3. Layer in crockpot – Place ribs in the slow cooker, cutting into sections if needed to fit.

4. Mix the sauce – In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Pour over ribs.

5. Cook – Cover and cook:

   • Low: 7–8 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours

6. Finish – For a caramelized finish, transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes.

7. Serve – Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Baby back ribs cook a bit faster and are more tender, while spare ribs are meatier.

• Removing the silver skin (membrane) makes a huge difference in tenderness.

• Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, spicy, or homemade.

• Cooking low and slow is key for that fall-off-the-bone texture.

Tips

• For a smoky BBQ flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

• If you want ribs with a bit of a bite (not completely falling off the bone), reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes.

• Use tongs to handle ribs gently—they’ll be very tender and can fall apart easily.

• Double the sauce if you like extra for dipping.

Servings

Serves: 4–6 people
Serving Size: About ½–¾ lb ribs per person

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~480

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Sugars: 17g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sodium: 850mg

(Values may vary depending on rib cut and BBQ sauce used.)

Benefits

• Easy preparation – Minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy days.

• Tender and flavorful – Low, slow cooking breaks down the meat fibers.

• Customizable – Easily change sauce flavor, spice level, or sweetness.

• Crowd-pleaser – A great main dish for family dinners and parties.

Q & A

Q: Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
A: Yes! Beef ribs are larger and may need an extra hour on low for tenderness.

Q: Do I have to broil them at the end?
A: No, but broiling gives a sticky, caramelized finish that many people love.

Q: Can I cook them overnight?
A: Yes, on low for about 7–8 hours—just make sure your slow cooker has an automatic “warm” setting.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Cool completely, wrap in foil or place in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently.

Q: How do I make them spicier?
A: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning rub or BBQ sauce.