Description
These Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor. After hours of slow cooking, the meat becomes incredibly soft and practically falls off the bone. Finished with a rich layer of barbecue sauce, these ribs are perfect for family dinners, game days, cookouts, or whenever you’re craving comforting barbecue without firing up the grill.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been removed. This helps create a more tender texture.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Cut the racks into sections that will fit comfortably inside your slow cooker.
- Arrange the ribs upright around the inside edge of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the ribs are extremely tender.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the ribs generously with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
- Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Removing the membrane helps achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- Cooking on LOW produces the most tender results.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently during cooking.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized flavor.
- Broiling at the end creates a delicious sticky glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 650