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These Crock Pot BBQ Ribs come out incredibly tender with a rich, flavorful barbecue glaze that makes smoking unnecessary. This recipe is perfect when you want hearty ribs without spending hours over a grill or smoker. The slow cooker does all the work while you set the table.
I first tried this recipe when I was craving ribs but didn’t want to grill in bad weather. Now it’s a go to for weekends because it’s easy and always satisfying.
Ingredients
- Baby back ribs: tender and perfect for slow cooking choose fresh racks with pink meat and firm bones
- Kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder: essential for seasoning and building flavor kosher salt is preferred as it seasons evenly without being too harsh
- Barbecue sauce: pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce a thicker sauce works better for coating and caramelizing the ribs
- Buying tip: when buying ribs look for ones with a good layer of meat and avoid racks with excessive fat or discoloration
Instructions
- Season the Ribs:
- Take both sides of the ribs and sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder generously. Rub the seasonings into the meat well to ensure flavor penetrates evenly.
- Arrange the Ribs in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the ribs inside your slow cooker with the meat side facing the outer wall to fit better and promote even cooking. If your slow cooker is oval and roomy you might even fit a second rack this way.
- Coat with Barbecue Sauce:
- Pour barbecue sauce all over the ribs making sure every part is well coated. Reserve about a third of the sauce for serving later to keep ribs moist.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for around 4 to 6 hours. The ribs are done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The slow cooking makes the ribs tender and juicy.
- Broil for Caramelized Finish:
- Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a foil lined baking sheet. Baste ribs with some of the leftover sauce then broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce watching closely to avoid burning.
- Cut and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven chop them into two rib sections for easy serving and pile them on a platter.
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One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how the garlic powder adds a subtle background note that makes each bite complex without overpowering the sweet smoky barbecue sauce. This dish always brings the family together, especially when I hear the requests for "those ribs" on busy weekend evenings.
Storage Tips
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also chop and add leftover ribs to a sandwich or salad for a tasty twist.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have garlic powder, use fresh minced garlic sautéed briefly and then added to the barbecue sauce for similar flavor. For a different smoky taste, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning blend. If baby back ribs are unavailable, St. Louis style ribs can work but they may need slightly longer cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or creamy potato salad. Cornbread or grilled vegetables also complement the smoky sweet flavors perfectly. For drinks, try a crisp cider or an ice cold lemonade to balance richness.
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These slow cooker BBQ ribs are an easy crowd pleasing meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy them with your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Should I broil the ribs after slow cooking?
Broiling is optional but helps caramelize the BBQ sauce for a thicker, flavorful glaze and a slightly crispy finish.
- → Is removing the membrane necessary?
Removing the membrane is optional. Slow cooking softens it, but some prefer to remove it for easier chewing and better texture.
- → Can I use a homemade BBQ rub instead of seasoning salt and pepper?
Yes, a homemade BBQ rub works well and can enhance the flavor profile of the ribs before slow cooking.
- → What is the best BBQ sauce to use?
Classic sauces like KC Masterpiece Kansas City Classic or Sweet Baby Ray’s are favorites, but any quality BBQ sauce will work.
- → Can ribs be cooked in an air fryer instead?
Yes, ribs can be adapted for air frying, which produces a different but still delicious texture and finish.
- → Is it better to cut ribs before cooking?
You can cut ribs into sections for even cooking, but avoid stacking them to ensure proper heat circulation in the slow cooker.