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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs deliver tender, juicy, and flavorful pork ribs that fall off the bone with minimal effort. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe uses a slow cooker to meld rich barbecue flavors during gentle cooking, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Enjoy a delicious, family-friendly meal with these consistently tender ribs that are enhanced by a sticky, caramelized finish if broiled.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back ribs or spare ribs)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane can become tough during cooking, so peeling it off ensures tender, easy-to-eat ribs.
  2. Season the Ribs: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this dry spice blend evenly over both sides of the ribs, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Arrange Ribs in the Slow Cooker: Place the ribs in a single layer inside the slow cooker. If they don’t fit perfectly, slightly overlap but avoid thick stacking to ensure even cooking.
  4. Pour on the BBQ Sauce: Generously cover the ribs with your chosen BBQ sauce. For added tang, mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired. The sauce keeps ribs moist and helps develop the signature sticky texture.
  5. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook ribs for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method is preferred for the best tenderness and flavor melding.
  6. Optional Broiling: For a caramelized finish, transfer cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil on high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, creating a smoky, sticky crust.

Notes

  • Always peel off the silver membrane for the tenderest ribs.
  • Don’t skip the dry rub seasoning to build a flavorful base.
  • Cooking on low heat yields juicier, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
  • Use a quality BBQ sauce that suits your flavor preference.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a delicious caramelized exterior.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs, tender ribs, easy ribs recipe, fall off the bone ribs, slow cooker recipes, barbecue ribs