Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Craving something rich, smoky, and irresistibly tender? Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs are classic comfort food at its best—juicy, fall-apart meat coated in a sweet and tangy glaze. This simple step-by-step guide walks you through making perfectly tender Crockpot ribs, complete with a clear ingredient list and helpful tips. Fire up your slow cooker and let’s get started.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork ribs | 3 lbs |
| Barbecue sauce | 1½ cups |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Preparing the Ribs
Remove the Membrane
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This step helps the seasoning penetrate better and improves the final texture. Slide a butter knife under one edge to loosen it, then grab it with your fingers and gently pull it off. It may require a little patience, but it’s worth the effort.
Season the Meat
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for about 30 minutes so the flavors can settle into the meat.
Slow Cooking the Ribs
Prepare the Sauce Base
In your slow cooker, stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. This mixture forms a rich, flavorful base that will infuse the ribs as they cook.
Cook Low and Slow
Place the seasoned ribs into the crockpot, coating them well with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle cooking time ensures the meat becomes tender and nearly falls off the bone.
Finishing Touches
Baste for Extra Flavor
During the last hour of cooking, spoon or brush additional sauce from the pot over the ribs. This creates a glossy finish and deepens the flavor.
Optional Grill Finish
For a caramelized, slightly smoky crust, transfer the cooked ribs to a preheated grill. Brush with more barbecue sauce and grill for a few minutes per side until lightly charred.
