Best Slow Cooker Ribs: Amazing Dinner Year-Round (2024)

There’s something truly special about the way slow cooker ribs can bring a family together, be it during the sweltering heat of the summer or the cozy chill of winter.

My family, in particular, can’t seem to get enough of these tender, juicy ribs that slide off the bone with just a fork’s gentle pressure.

Perhaps it’s the convenience of setting up the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to an irresistible aroma that fills the house!

This recipe has become a staple in our home, celebrated for its simplicity and the mouthwatering satisfaction it brings to every meal.

Let me show you how to capture the essence of a leisurely barbecue without any of the hassle.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8-10 hours
• Main Ingredients: Baby back pork ribs, onion, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: There are so many amazing sides to have with these ribs- broccoli and yummy veggies, mac and cheese, cornbread, cole slaw, and so much more
• Tip: Cut off excess fat- you want some to get that juicy taste and texture, but too much will slow the cooking or make it way too liquidy

Best Slow Cooker Ribs: Amazing Dinner Year-Round

Cooking ribs doesn’t have to be hard—it is actually pretty easy! Only a few ingredients and 6-8 hours in the slow cooker will make your family VERY happy!

Step 1

Trim any excess fat off the ribs and cut to size. Make sure that the ribs fit in the slow cooker’s bottom.

Don’t trim off all the fat, though; you want to make sure you still have some left on there. That is what makes ribs so juicy!

If you want a super-tender rack of ribs, look for the thin membrane on the underside of the rack.

This thin layer isn’t inedible, but it does toughen up quite a bit during cooking.

If you find that your rack of ribs has this membrane, simply turn it over and remove the thin membrane before cooking.

That way, you will have very tender racks of ribs!

Step 2

Chop the ribs in half, and then slice the onion and lay it on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the ribs, then the spices, and finally the BBQ sauce and the water.

Some recipes just call for barbecue sauce, but adding paprika, pepper, and garlic powder really elevates them. 

For extra tender ribs, marinate them overnight before cooking if you have the time- the flavor get soaked into the meat so well!

Step 3

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. You want them tender and to come off the bone easily when you bite them, but not so much that they will fall apart when you simply pick them up.

Once the ribs are done and you pull them out, the sauce leftover is so good that you will definitely want to pour some extra on the ribs!

Recipe Twist!

I like to pre-cook my ribs in the crock pot and then finish them off on the grill on nice summer days when I’m not too busy.

Not only does this give me more control over the cooking temperature, but it also gives me more tender ribs.

I tend to slow cook my ribs on low for 4 hours and then finish them on the grill.

When they are almost finished on the grill, I brush them with more barbecue sauce and grill them for a few minutes to give them the extra crunch I like.

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Slow Cooker Ribs

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2 - 2.5 lbs. baby back pork ribs
• 1/2 onion sliced
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 16 oz. bottle BBQ sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed; or 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbs brown sugar optional (sweeter version)

Instructions

• Slice onion and place on bottom of slow cooker.
• Cut ribs into halves or thirds and place over the onion.
• Add all spices and garlic on top of the ribs.
• Add the BBQ sauce and water.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours
• Remove from slow cooker and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions

Looking to add some variety to your slow cooker rib recipe? Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make this recipe your own.

The possibilities are endless, and you may just come up with your own signature slow cooker rib recipe!

The Meat

For pork ribs, you have many options, from spare ribs to baby back ribs- any are flavorful and perfect for this recipe.

You can also substitute a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef- BBQ goes well with most meats! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for smaller cuts.

Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as each type of meat may require a different amount of time in the crock pot.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, try substituting the ribs with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu. The barbecue sauce and spices will still add plenty of flavor!

To add an extra layer of flavor, try browning the ribs in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This will help lock in the juices and create a nice caramelized crust on the ribs.

The Sauce

To elevate your BBQ sauce and give those ribs an interesting twist, consider incorporating unexpected ingredients that add depth and complexity.

For example, combine BBQ sauce with a bit of coffee or dark chocolate to introduce a rich, robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smoky sweetness of traditional BBQ sauce.

If you’re aiming for a tangier profile, a splash of apple cider vinegar or a spoonful of mustard can brighten the sauce, adding layers of flavor.

Try adding some liquid smoke, extra brown sugar, and more garlic powder to your barbecue sauce before cooking to get that off-the-grill taste without any grill time.

You can also change the seasonings you add to the sauce- add onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and more to get savory or spicy ribs. 

For those who enjoy a fruity undertone, blend in some peach or mango jams and some brown sugar- you may want to add a bit less garlic powder to let the sweet be the focus.

Don’t forget to save any leftover barbecue sauce from the slow cooker and use it as a delicious dip or topping for other meals.

The Sides

This Slow Cooker Ribs recipe goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad.

I personally love broccoli with any dish, so that’s what I did this time, but I’ve done it with baked potatoes, even sweet potatoes with brown sugar butter.

You can also try adding different vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for an extra kick of flavor.

You can also serve pork ribs in barbecue sauce alone as a main dish for a casual summer barbecue or mini ribs as an appetizer for a party.

They will surely be crowd-pleasers no matter how you choose to serve them. So fire up that slow cooker and get ready to dig into some delicious ribs!

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

If you like this slow cooker ribs recipe, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

What kind of ribs do you buy for Crock-Pot ribs?

You can use any type of rib that you want, but for the crock-pot, I tend to use baby back ribs.

I like them better than country style, and they seem to fit into the slow cooker a little easier.

How long do ribs take to cook in a slow cooker?

I like to cook my ribs for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker. I find that if I try to rush them and cook them on high for 4 hours, they come out undercooked and tough.

You want to cook them low and slow to break down connective tissues, that way they fall right off the bone.

Can you overcook slow cooker ribs?

The whole point of ribs is to eat them off the bone, so cooking them low and slow is the way to go.

I find that you cannot overcook ribs in the slow cooker, but you can slow cook ribs without them falling off the bone.

You do this if you cook them at too high a temperature and too quickly.

If you cook ribs too quickly, they will become very tough and chewy. This may make you think that you’ve overcooked them, but you’ve actually just cooked them way too fast.

When cooking ribs in the slow cooker, you want to cook 6-8 hours on low. Let those juices get into the ribs and slowly moisten the meat until it falls right off the bone.

Should you sear ribs before cooking?

You should not sear your ribs before cooking.

You want to cook them low and slow to break down the connective tissue so they will fall off the bone when eating. 

I find that a quick sear helps lock in juices and provide a good smoky flavor. I love a good rib that not only falls off the bone but also has a nice crispy outside layer!

What type of barbecue sauce works best for slow cooker ribs?

The choice of barbecue sauce largely depends on personal preference.

However, for slow cooker ribs, a thicker sauce tends to stick to the ribs better and caramelizes nicely when finished off on the grill.

You can go with classic sweet, smoky, or even spicy flavors. Experimenting with homemade BBQ sauce recipes can also add a unique touch to your dish.

Can I cook vegetables in the same slow cooker as my ribs?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker alongside your ribs can make for a more rounded meal.

The vegetables will absorb some of the flavors from the BBQ sauce and juices from the ribs, making them incredibly tasty.

How do I store leftover slow cooker ribs?

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure they cool down to room temperature before you put them away to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

When reheating, you might want to add a bit more BBQ sauce to restore some of the original flavor and moisture.

Can slow cooker ribs be frozen?

Yes, slow cooker ribs can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Once cooled, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as you normally would, adding BBQ sauce as needed.

Is it necessary to add liquid to the slow cooker when making ribs?

While not strictly necessary, adding a small amount of liquid (like water, broth, or apple juice) to the slow cooker can help maintain a moist environment for the ribs.

About a quarter to a half cup of liquid is usually sufficient without diluting the flavors of your BBQ sauce too much.

Final Thoughts

Harnessing the power and convenience of the slow cooker transforms the seemingly daunting task of making BBQ ribs into a simple, hassle-free cooking adventure.

With minimal prep, you’re rewarded with succulently tender ribs that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring the essence of summer barbecues into your home any time of the year.

The beauty of slow cooking is its forgiving nature; it’s nearly impossible to overcook your ribs, ensuring that each bite is as effortless as it is delicious.

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, the slow cooker method proves that great BBQ ribs are within everyone’s reach.

So go ahead, treat your family and friends to a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be devoured with enthusiasm and leave them asking for more! Happy cooking!

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