Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
Fall-apart tender and smothered in rich barbecue sauce, Slow Cooker Ribs bring smoky backyard flavor with barely any effort. All it takes is a few minutes of prep.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals, this slow cooker recipe transforms pork ribs into succulent, flavor-packed perfection with minimal cleanup.
What You’ll Need for Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ribs
- Pork ribs (about 2 lbs) – The star of the show; baby back ribs are ideal for their tender, meaty texture and even cooking.
- BBQ sauce (32 oz) – This brings bold, tangy sweetness and depth. Use your favorite brand or homemade for personalized flavor.
- Salt & black pepper – A simple, essential base seasoning to enhance the pork’s natural savoriness.
- Garlic powder – Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements the sauce without overpowering it.
- Onion powder – Rounds out the seasoning with subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Light brown sugar – Balances the savory elements with a gentle molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
How to Make These Slow Cooker Ribs the Easy Way
Start by seasoning the ribs generously on both sides, then rub them with garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. A quick pre-bake in the oven for 15 minutes on each side gives them a head start in flavor and helps render some fat.
Once baked, arrange the ribs in your slow cooker, curling them around the inside or cutting them into sections. Slather them with BBQ sauce—save some for later—and let the slow cooker do its magic for 4 to 6 hours on low. The result? Ribs that are tender, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy.
Serve them hot with extra sauce for dipping or brushing—finger-licking encouraged.
Rib Tips & Flavor Twists for the Perfect Batch
For ribs that hold their shape but melt in your mouth, aim for the 4.5 to 5-hour mark in the slow cooker. Cooking too long may make them fall apart completely—great for pulled pork, but not ideal for rib lovers wanting a good bite.
To add some heat, stir a teaspoon of chipotle powder or cayenne into your BBQ sauce. For a smoky finish, use a smoked paprika rub before baking. You can also finish them under the broiler for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking to crisp the edges and caramelize the sauce.
Different cuts like country-style or boneless ribs work well too—just adjust the time slightly as they tend to cook faster and may become too tender if overdone.
Keeping Those Ribs Just as Good Tomorrow
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store cooled ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will soak in even more, making day-two ribs extra flavorful.
To reheat, place ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, but the oven helps retain the texture better. For longer storage, freeze in sauce for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
These Slow Cooker Ribs might just be your new go-to for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers every time.
Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 32 ounces BBQ sauce*
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 rack pork ribs approximately 2 lbs*
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously season both sides of the pork ribs with salt and pepper, then rub each side evenly with the garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Lay the ribs on the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the ribs over and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to develop flavor and texture.
- For slow cooking, line the slow cooker for easier cleanup if desired. Arrange the rib rack along the perimeter of the slow cooker, meat side outward. Alternatively, cut the ribs into manageable sections and nestle them inside. Pour barbecue sauce over the ribs, reserving some for serving.
- Secure the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the ribs are tender yet remain intact.
- Serve hot with a generous layer of the reserved barbecue sauce.
Notes
BBQ Sauce: Use your preferred store-bought brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s, or a homemade version.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure the barbecue sauce used is gluten-free.
