Crockpot Barbecue Ribs
Description
Tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs made right in your crockpot! This recipe combines slow cooking with rich, smoky flavors and a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game day, these ribs are effortless yet incredibly flavorful. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, your crockpot does all the work while your home fills with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients For Crockpot Barbecue Ribs
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3–4 lbs pork baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
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1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
Instructions
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Prepare Ribs: Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs (this helps them become more tender).
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Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
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Season Ribs: Rub seasoning mixture generously over the ribs on both sides.
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Arrange in Crockpot: Place ribs in the crockpot, standing them upright if necessary. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over ribs.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until ribs are tender.
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Finish with Sauce: Drain excess liquid. Brush ribs with barbecue sauce. For sticky, caramelized ribs, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until sauce bubbles and slightly chars.
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Serve: Slice into portions, brush with extra sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
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Baby back ribs are best for tenderness, but spare ribs work too.
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For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the crockpot.
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If you prefer sweeter ribs, add a little honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
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To make cleanup easier, use a slow cooker liner.
Tips
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Always remove the rib membrane for best texture.
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Cooking on LOW gives the most tender results.
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Save some of the cooking juices to mix into your barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
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If cooking for a crowd, double the recipe but don’t overcrowd the crockpot—cook in batches if needed.
Servings
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Serves 4–6 people
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 1/2 lb ribs + sauce)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Sugar: 18g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 820mg
Benefits
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Effortless Cooking: Crockpot makes ribs tender without constant monitoring.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Customizable: Adjust sweetness, smokiness, and spice to taste.
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Great for Gatherings: Perfect make-ahead dish for parties or potlucks.
Q&A
Q: Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
A: Yes! Beef ribs work, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: Do I have to broil them after slow cooking?
A: No, but broiling caramelizes the sauce and adds that “grilled” look and taste.
Q: Can I prepare these the night before?
A: Yes! Season the ribs with dry rub, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add them to the crockpot the next day.
Q: What barbecue sauce works best?
A: Any! Go for smoky, tangy, or sweet depending on your taste. Homemade sauces also work beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Store cooled ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with extra sauce.