Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe
Fall-Off-the-Bone Deliciousness with Zero Fuss
If you’re craving tender, flavorful ribs without the hassle of smoking or grilling for hours, you’re in for a treat. These Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs are everything you want in a comfort meal—juicy, tangy, smoky, and sweet—with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and come back to ribs that practically melt off the bone.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or anytime you want to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Using a simple homemade BBQ sauce and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll get restaurant-quality ribs right at home.
🍖 Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (580g)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (55g)
- 4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
For the Ribs:
- 3 lbs baby back pork ribs (1.3 kg)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Season the Ribs
Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs, coating them thoroughly.
4. Cook the Ribs
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The ribs are ready when they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
5. Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Slice into individual portions and serve with your favorite sides. Spoon some of the sauce from the cooker on top, and add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
💡 Tips for Perfect Ribs
- Remove the Membrane: For the most tender ribs, peel off the thin silver skin from the back of the ribs before seasoning.
- Caramelized Finish: For a sticky, charred finish, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil on high for 2–3 minutes.
- Adjust the Heat: Love spicy ribs? Add more cayenne. Prefer mild? Cut it in half or omit it altogether.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Cook the ribs a day ahead and reheat in the oven or microwave. The flavors deepen overnight!
These Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs are a no-fail favorite that brings big BBQ flavor with none of the stress. Serve them with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese for a down-home meal that everyone will rave about.
Grab some napkins—you’re gonna need them. 😋🍖🔥