Introduction
Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. These fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are slow-cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, infused with flavor, and finished under the broiler or on the grill for that irresistible caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or game day feasts, these ribs bring all the smoky, saucy goodness without firing up a smoker or standing over the grill all day.
Ingredients
3 to 4 lbs pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or water (for moisture)
2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce (divided)
Instructions
Prep the Ribs:
Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness (slide a knife under and peel off with paper towel grip). Pat ribs dry.
Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Season the Ribs:
Rub the seasoning mix generously all over both sides of the ribs.
Place in Crockpot:
Cut ribs into 3–4 rib sections if needed. Stand or stack them inside the crockpot. Add apple cider vinegar (or water) to the bottom. Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until ribs are very tender.
Finish with Sauce:
Carefully remove ribs (they’ll be very tender!) and place on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill.
Glaze and Broil/Grill:
Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and broil on high for 3–5 minutes or grill for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Watch closely!
Serve:
Slice between bones, serve warm with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Description
These Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with tender, juicy meat and a sticky, caramelized glaze. The low-and-slow cooking makes them effortlessly tender, while the quick finish under the broiler or on the grill adds that classic BBQ texture. It’s an easy recipe with big, bold, smoky-sweet flavor in every bite.
Tips
Remove Membrane: Always take off the silver skin for best texture.
Use the Right Cut: Baby back ribs are more tender, while St. Louis-style ribs are meatier.
Keep It Moist: Add vinegar or broth to the crockpot for added tenderness.
Easy Clean-Up: Use a crockpot liner and foil on your baking sheet to save scrubbing time.
Variations
Spicy Ribs: Add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the rub or BBQ sauce.
Honey Garlic Ribs: Use honey garlic BBQ sauce and add a few crushed garlic cloves to the crockpot.
Dry Rub Only: Skip the sauce and keep the ribs dry for a more traditional Memphis-style flavor.
Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice powder for a fusion twist.
Corrections
Too Dry? Next time, reduce cooking time slightly or make sure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot.
Too Sweet? Use less brown sugar in the rub or choose a tangy BBQ sauce.
Falling Apart Too Much? Chill ribs briefly before broiling to help them hold shape.
Enjoy
Get your napkins ready! These Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are sticky, saucy, and irresistibly tender. They’re a hit at every cookout, potluck, or weeknight dinner table. Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans and dig in. Enjoy every delicious, messy bite!