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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.