Crockpot Barbeque Ribs
Crockpot Barbeque Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with rich smoky BBQ flavors. Slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, this recipe delivers a hands-off, effortless cooking experience ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. With a savory spice rub and sticky BBQ glaze, these ribs bring delicious, family-friendly comfort indoors without needing a grill or smoker.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ribs and Meat
- Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) – about 2 to 3 pounds
Dry Rub Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 to 1.5 cups BBQ sauce (your preferred style: sweet, spicy, or smoky)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or broth
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better sauce absorption. Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season the ribs: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Rub this spice blend evenly on both sides of the ribs to lock in flavor.
- Layer the ribs in the crockpot: Place the ribs standing on their side or lay flat if your crockpot is large enough. Add a small amount of water or broth to keep the ribs moist while cooking.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring each piece is well coated. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the top for extra tanginess before closing the lid.
- Slow cook the ribs: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Optional broil for texture: For a caramelized finish, transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and slightly chars.
Notes
- Remove the membrane from ribs for tender texture.
- Don’t skimp on the dry rub to elevate flavor beyond just BBQ sauce.
- Choose a good quality BBQ sauce that fits your flavor preference.
- Layer ribs snugly to keep moisture locked inside during cooking.
- Consider cooking low and slow overnight for ready-to-eat ribs the next day.
- Small amount of water or broth helps prevent drying by creating steam.
- Broiling after slow cooking is optional but adds great texture and caramelization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of ribs)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crockpot ribs, BBQ ribs, slow cooked ribs, smoked ribs, easy dinner, family dinner, comfort food