This EASY Slow Cooker Ribs recipe results in the most tender BBQ ribs with very little effort.
Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Try Crock Pot Baked Ziti, Beef Noodle Soup, or Pot Roast!
We make Slow Cooker Ribs often on Sundays because I love having something wonderful to eat for family dinner, but low maintenance so I can enjoy a day off. They only require 15 minutes to prep, and you don’t have to babysit them at all while they cook. They’re restaurant quality and will wow your dinner guests!
Pro Tips:
Type of Ribs to Buy: baby back ribs, spare ribs, or country-style ribs will work for this slow cooker recipe. (I prefer baby back pork ribs. Costco sells high quality, well prices ribs in a three-pack.)
Remove membrane, if needed: Depending on where you purchase them, the ribs may still have a white, shiny membrane connective tissue on the back (bone side) that needs to be removed. Place the ribs meat-side down and slide your fingers under the membrane and use force to pull it off.
How to Make BBQ Ribs in the Slow Cooker:
Cut Rack of Ribs (Optional): You can leave the rack whole and curl it around the slow cooker if it fits well. Otherwise, cut the rack into a few sections.
Season the ribs on both sides with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and brown sugar. Lay them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil.
Quick Pre-Bake: Bake the ribs at 400 degrees for 15 minutes on each side to seal in the juices and render some of the fat. Alternately, throw them on the grill on HIGH for 5 minutes on each side.
Place in Slow Cooker: Layer the ribs in the bottom of your slow cooker or curl the rack around the inside. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Mine are usually done cooking around the 4 hour mark. You want them to be tender, but no meat falling off the bone.
Serve: Baste the ribs with more bbq sauce and serve with your favorite sides (see my suggestions below).
Serve With:
- Creamed Potatoes and Peas
- Corn Salad
- Cornbread.
- Corn on the cob (grilled or instant pot).
- Potato salad
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables
- Homemade Rolls
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Brussels Sprouts Salad
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Recipe
Slow Cooker Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork ribs * (about 2 lbs)
- 32 ounces BBQ sauce *
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Season the ribs generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Rub garlic powder, onion powder and brown sugar onto both sides of the ribs.
- Pre-Bake: Line a large baking sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper. Bake the ribs on prepared pan for 15 minutes. Flip the ribs to the other side and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Slow Cook: Place the rack of ribs around the inside of the slow cooker, meat side facing out. Alternately, cut the ribs into a few sections and place them in the slow cooker. Smother them in some barbecue sauce, reserving some sauce for serving later. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, until tender but not falling off the bone.
- Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce slathered on top.
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe October 2017. Updated November 2019 and September 2022.
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I cannot wait to try this! I’m really enjoying going through the different recipes you’ve shared. You have SO many great ideas. I’m a sucker for classic comfort food and usually stay in a safe-zone of classic italian and mexican dishes. But you’re inspiring me to try new things in the kitchen. Recipes that I usually find intimidating (such as east indian/asian dishes) are now very practical in regards to my time, budget, skill level, AND satisfying the hungry teen at home. Please keep doing what you’re doing and know that you are appreciated. Ignore the select few who leave the bitter, unhelpful, unnecessary comments. Some people cannot function unless they have something to complain about. It’s clear your recipes are a big hit in so many homes. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks so much for your kind comment and feedback, Kristin. I really appreciate it!