Description
This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork ribs that fall off the bone with minimal effort. The ribs are coated in a savory homemade dry rub, slow-cooked for hours to develop deep flavors, and finished with a sticky barbecue sauce glaze. Perfect for a comforting meal any day, this recipe allows you to prepare classic ribs without the need for a grill or oven, using just a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork ribs (membrane removed)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to create a flavorful dry rub mixture that will add depth to the ribs.
- Season the ribs: If necessary, cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit easily into your slow cooker. Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, ensuring every part is coated with the dry rub for maximum flavor.
- Arrange ribs in the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 4-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Stand the ribs upright around the edges of the slow cooker with the meaty sides pressed against the walls, which helps to cook them evenly.
- Slow cook the ribs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Apply barbecue sauce and finish: Remove the ribs carefully from the slow cooker and generously brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce. For an extra sticky and caramelized finish, optionally place the ribs under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or grill them for 5 to 6 minutes. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs allows better absorption of flavors and results in more tender meat.
- Slow cooking on low heat for 8 hours yields the most tender ribs; high setting can be used if short on time.
- Grilling or broiling after slow cooking is optional but enhances flavor and texture by caramelizing the barbecue sauce.
- Use a 4-quart slow cooker for best fit and even cooking, but larger sizes work as well adjusting the rib quantity accordingly.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
