Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious, and full of smoky barbecue flavor. Slow-cooked in the crockpot, these ribs are finished with a sticky, caramelized glaze, making them perfect for easy weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.
Crockpot Barbecue Ribs
Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious, and full of smoky barbecue flavor. Slow-cooked in the crockpot, these ribs are finished with a sticky, caramelized glaze, making them perfect for easy weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3–4lbs(1.4-1.8kg) pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsppaprika
- 1 tbspgarlic powder
- 1 tbsponion powder
- 1/2 tspcayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2cup(120ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2cups(480ml) barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 tbspbrown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. If needed, remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs by loosening it with a knife and pulling it off.Season the ribs generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spices into the meat.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. If needed, remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs by loosening it with a knife and pulling it off.
- Season the ribs generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spices into the meat.
- Add to the Crockpot:Place the ribs into the crockpot, standing them on their edge so they curve around the inside of the pot.Pour the apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of the barbecue sauce over the ribs, covering them evenly.
- Place the ribs into the crockpot, standing them on their edge so they curve around the inside of the pot.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of the barbecue sauce over the ribs, covering them evenly.
- Slow Cook the Ribs:Cover and cook onLOWfor 6-8 hours or onHIGHfor 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bones.
- Cover and cook onLOWfor 6-8 hours or onHIGHfor 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bones.
- Finish with Extra BBQ Sauce:Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or set your broiler on high.Carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.Brush the ribs with the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with brown sugar if desired.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or set your broiler on high.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Brush the ribs with the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with brown sugar if desired.
- Broil or Bake the Ribs:Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve:Slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
- Slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
Add smoke flavor:Use a few drops of liquid smoke in the crockpot for a smoky, grilled flavor.
Make it spicy:Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy barbecue sauce.
Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
