Crockpot Barbecue Ribs
Crockpot Barbecue Ribs offer a no-fuss, slow-cooked meal delivering fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and smoky BBQ glaze. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 2 to 3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
Spice Rub
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite or homemade)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs to allow flavors to penetrate better and ensure the ribs become tender instead of tough.
- Season the Meat: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the ribs to build a flavorful base.
- Add Ribs to the Crockpot: Place the ribs into the slow cooker, standing them on their ends if possible to maximize space and promote even cooking.
- Pour the BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated with the glaze.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the meat, making the ribs juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Optional Broiling: For a caramelized finish, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with additional sauce, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the glaze bubbles and develops a slight char.
Notes
- Remove the membrane for the most tender results and better seasoning absorption.
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce to enhance flavor.
- Do not lift the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if using thicker spare ribs instead of baby back ribs.
- Save leftover sauce and heat separately for serving as a drizzle or dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz ribs with sauce)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: crockpot ribs, barbecue ribs, slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, easy ribs, tender ribs, family dinner