Crockpot Barbeque Ribs
Tender, smoky, and flavorful Crockpot Barbeque Ribs cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone perfection. This easy slow cooker recipe uses a blend of spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar to create mouthwatering ribs perfect for any occasion with minimal effort.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup Barbecue sauce (smoky and tangy)
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1 tsp Chili powder (for mild heat)
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure maximum tenderness and allow the seasonings to penetrate fully.
- Season Generously: Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub this dry spice mix all over the ribs, coating every inch evenly for full flavor.
- Arrange in the Crockpot: Place the ribs standing on their sides or laying flat inside your crockpot, fitting them snugly but comfortably according to the size of your slow cooker.
- Add Barbecue Sauce and Vinegar: Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs. Drizzle apple cider vinegar on top to add tangy depth that balances the richness.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the meat to become tender as connective tissues break down.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For a caramelized crust, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning and achieve a delicious BBQ finish.
Notes
- Remove the membrane from ribs for tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Don’t skip apple cider vinegar; it brightens and balances flavors beautifully.
- Use a high-quality barbecue sauce to enhance the overall taste.
- Slow and low cooking is key for optimal tenderness and flavor melding.
- Broiling at the end creates a caramelized, restaurant-quality crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crockpot ribs, slow cooker barbecue ribs, tender ribs recipe, easy BBQ ribs, smoky ribs