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Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

These Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with rich, layered flavors from a carefully crafted dry rub and barbecue sauce. Perfectly slow-cooked for effortless preparation, they deliver fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal hands-on time, ideal for weeknights or weekend gatherings. This recipe is versatile, adaptable to your taste preferences, and makes excellent leftovers.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs

  • 2–3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

Dry Rub Spices

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the thin silver membrane from the bone side of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better absorption of flavors.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with this spice blend to build the base of flavor.
  3. Arrange in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned ribs standing slightly on their side inside the crockpot. Pack them snugly so they cook evenly, allowing the sauce to circulate around the meat.
  4. Add Liquid and Sauce: Pour 1/2 cup of water or broth into the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle the barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs. Add the apple cider vinegar and, if using, the liquid smoke for extra smoky depth.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the ribs are tender and fall off the bone. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
  6. Optional Broil to Finish: For a sticky, caramelized exterior, transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet, coat with extra barbecue sauce, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, until glazed and slightly charred.

Notes

  • Always remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs.
  • Slow cooking at low temperature ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture.
  • Don’t skip the dry rub; it layers essential flavor beneath the sauce.
  • Using broth or apple juice instead of water can add subtle flavor enhancement.
  • Let ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz ribs with sauce)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Crockpot ribs, barbecue ribs, slow cooker ribs, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, gluten free ribs