If you’re craving tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs without babysitting the grill or heating up the whole kitchen, these Slow Cooker Ribs are about to become your new favorite recipe. This method takes all the stress out of making perfectly cooked ribs — just season, set, and forget while your slow cooker does the work.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I’ll admit it: for years, I thought making great ribs meant hovering over the grill, constantly checking the heat, and fretting about drying them out. And while I love a good grilling session, there were plenty of busy days when that just wasn’t happening.
One summer, with the kids running in and out, errands piling up, and guests on the way, I realized I needed a hands-off way to get those same smoky, barbecue flavors on the table. That’s when I tried making ribs in the slow cooker.
It was a total game-changer. I seasoned them up in the morning, set the slow cooker, and spent the day actually enjoying time with family instead of sweating over the coals. By dinnertime, the ribs were falling-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. A quick blast under the broiler finished them with that perfect caramelized crust.
Since then, slow cooker ribs have been my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners — whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a weeknight treat, or a potluck with friends. It’s one of those recipes that feels like cheating in the best possible way: all the reward, almost none of the work.
Try my other slow cooker recipes:
Tips and Tricks
- Searing the Ribs: For an added layer of flavor, consider searing the ribs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste.
- Layering Ingredients: Place the tougher rib bones at the bottom of the slow cooker and layer the meat on top. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious juices.
- Adjusting Sauce: Feel free to customize the barbecue sauce to your liking. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the ribs a day in advance. Season them and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. The next day, simply transfer them to the slow cooker with the sauce. Additionally, you can make your barbecue sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, enhancing the flavors as it sits.
Recipe Variations
- Different Sauces: Try using a mustard-based sauce or a honey-garlic glaze for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your sauce for a spicy kick.
- Alternate Cooking Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can braise the ribs in a Dutch oven on low heat in the oven for a similar effect
How to Serve
Serve these succulent ribs on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color. Pair with classic sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a comforting meal. For added flair, drizzle some extra barbecue sauce over the top before serving.
How to Store
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their tenderness.
Equipment Needed
You will need a slow cooker for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven can serve as an alternative for braising in the oven. A good cutting board and sharp knife are also essential for prepping the ribs.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen ribs? Yes, but they will need to be thawed before cooking for even results.
- How can I thicken the sauce? If the sauce is too thin, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces and thickens.
- What can I substitute for barbecue sauce? You can use teriyaki sauce or a homemade mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
How To Make slow cooker ribs recipe
Slow Cooker Ribs
Slow Cooker Ribs are the epitome of comfort food, offering tender, fall-off-the-bone meat enveloped in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Start by patting the ribs dry with paper towels and trimming any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the ribs, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
- If searing, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs on both sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step is optional but adds great flavor.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated. If using, add apple cider vinegar for added tang.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
- For a caramelized finish, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, brushing with extra sauce if desired.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 933Total Fat 73gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 33gCholesterol 238mgSodium 1045mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 16gProtein 48g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker ribs recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without the hassle. With just a few simple steps, you can serve up a dish that will impress your family and friends alike. Embrace the ease of slow cooking and enjoy the delectable flavors of these mouthwatering ribs!
