Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

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Do you have a hankering for really good ribs? Then you need to try our fuss-free Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs for the best sticky, tender, full-flavored ribs you will find, all made easily in your slow cooker. Stay warm indoors in the winter, but still enjoy the flavor of BBQ.

Are you a rib fan? Then try our Smoked Beef Ribs, Crock Pot Saucy Asian Ribs, or Braised Short Ribs (Instant Pot).

Helpful Items for This Recipe

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Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Silicone Basting Pastry Brush: Set of 2 Heat, Red

Measuring Cups and Spoons, Set of 12, Stainless Steel

Horizontal picture of individual ribs on a cutting board.

What is in Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

You may need to purchase a few things unless you have a well-stocked kitchen. Everything though you will find at your local grocery store.

Ingredients

Racks of pork ribs (about 3 lbs) – I like baby back ribs for almost all my meals, but they are expensive. They are meatier and more tender than side ribs.

Rub

Brown sugar – The rub needs a bit of sweetness with the smokiness of the paprika, and brown sugar, with its natural molasses, has more depth than white for a rub.

Granulated garlic – I have been enjoying using granulated garlic instead of garlic powder as I like the larger grind to it and it is not as potent as garlic powder is.

Kosher salt – Perfect again for a larger grind and less salty taste.

Smoked paprika – This adds the perfect smoky flavor to the ribs themselves.

Cayenne pepper – Not too much, but just a little background heat gives these ribs just what they need.

BBQ Sauce

Favorite jarred BBQ sauce – You know what you love and why. For me, it is a hickory-flavored BBQ sauce.

Onion, finely chopped – This just adds a nice extra flavor to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce – Everyone in the pool, and this just adds more depth, too.

Cider vinegar – To balance out the sweetness in the sauce and the rub, the vinegar is the perfect addition.

How to Slow Cook BBQ Ribs

Can you Slow Cook Pork Ribs?

In my opinion that is the only way to cook pork ribs. You can do this in the oven but a great way is in the slow cooker too. Low and slow is the secret to tender ribs.

Should ribs be covered in liquid in a slow cooker?

No, you don’t need to submerge ribs in liquid to cook them. Just putting a layer of BBQ sauce between each slab of ribs is perfect for them to be flavored and cooked to perfect tenderness.

In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients and stir until well mixed. Set aside.

In a large measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce and whisk to combine.

Overhead shot of ribs on a marble slab covered in seasoning.

Remove the silver skin from the back side of each of the racks of ribs. Using a paper towel to grip and pull the sliver skin works great.

Cut the racks of ribs in half and sprinkle the rub over both sides of the ribs.

Place one-half rack of ribs in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour about ¼ cup of the sauce over the ribs. Use a spoon or a spatula to spread the sauce over the ribs.

Take the next half rack of ribs and lay it on top of the first rack to form an “X” if your slow cooker shape allows that. Pour about ¼ cup of the sauce over that rack of ribs. Repeat this process with the other racks of ribs.

Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over all the ribs.

Cook on low for 6 – 7 hours or until the ribs are tender but not falling off the bone.

Ribs covered with BBQ sauce and ready for the broiler.

Preheat your broiler.

Line a baking sheet or broiler pan with foil and place the ribs on the prepared pan meat side up.

Generously brush the ribs with the sauce from the slow cooker. You can skim off the fat from the top of the sauce if there is a lot.

Broil the ribs for 2 – 4 minutes or until just slightly charred.

Serve with a bowl of the remaining sauce for dipping if you like.

Enjoy!

Rack of ribs looking succulent and dripping with BBQ sauce.

Ribs cut up on a board with additional sauce and a brush.

Recipe Pro Tips!

Dipping pieces of pork into extra BBQ sauce.

Fall off The Bone Ribs?

Personally, I like ribs that are super tender but need a slight tug to get them off the bone, as opposed to ribs that have meat that has literally fallen off the bone. If you do like it like this, then cook your ribs for 8-9 hours as opposed to the 6-7 hours that we recommend. You can get the same effect by cooking them on high for 4-5 hours.

Removing the Membrane?

Do all ribs come with a membrane? Do I have to remove this? Not all ribs come with a membrane, as your butcher may have removed it already. We highly recommend removing this membrane for a few reasons. You will get a much better result as the membrane can give you rubbery or chewy ribs and it also prevents the seasonings from penetrating the ribs. As mentioned, it is easy to remove by grabbing the membrane with a paper towel for some traction and pulling it off; it is that simple.

Square photo of ribs being brushed with BBQ sauce.

WHAT TO HAVE WITH DELICIOUS SLOW COOKER BBQ RIBS?

Even if it is cold outside, you can have an amazing rib dinner by making them in a slow cooker. Here are some awesome sides to complete your meal.

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Pin it HERE!!