Description
Enjoy tender, juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs infused with rich, smoky flavors in this easy, hands-off recipe. Perfect for beginners and BBQ lovers alike, these ribs cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture without needing a grill or oven. Ideal for casual dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, they deliver homemade BBQ goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs
- 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
Dry Rub Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Slow Cooker Additions
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (high-quality, your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs to improve texture and flavor absorption. Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better.
- Season the ribs: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, curling them slightly if needed to fit. Pour the apple cider vinegar around the ribs, then spread the BBQ sauce generously over the top, coating the ribs well.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking breaks down connective tissue, resulting in tender, falling-off-the-bone ribs.
- Finish under the broiler (optional): For a caramelized crust, transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning and enjoy a beautifully glazed finish.
Notes
- Membrane removal is important for tenderness and flavor penetration.
- Choose a quality BBQ sauce to enhance the final taste.
- Don’t shorten the cooking time; low and slow is key for perfect ribs.
- Reserve some BBQ sauce for serving or broiling to add brightness and moisture.
- Layer flavors by seasoning before the sauce and finishing under the broiler for texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of ribs)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg