Bookmark
These Crock Pot BBQ Ribs offer a foolproof way to make incredibly tender ribs with a delicious, sticky barbecue glaze. You do not need a smoker or hours of active cooking—just a slow cooker and a handful of ingredients for a mouthwatering dinner that your family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals when you want juicy ribs without the fuss.
I first tried this crock pot method during a busy week and have made it countless times since. It never fails to impress guests and give me a relaxed cooking experience.
Ingredients
- Baby back ribs: their tenderness and flavor make them ideal—cut them to fit your slow cooker if needed
- Kosher salt: milder than table salt and great for seasoning evenly
- Freshly ground black pepper: adds a subtle heat and complexity
- Garlic powder: provides a gentle garlic essence without overpowering
- Barbecue sauce: choose a robust favorite like Sweet Baby Ray's or KC Masterpiece for authentic flavor—bottle sauces work perfectly and save time
Instructions
- Season the Ribs:
- Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder generously on both sides of the ribs. Rub the seasoning in well to infuse flavor deep into the meat.
- Place Ribs in Slow Cooker:
- Arrange the ribs in your slow cooker standing upright with the meat side against the walls. If using an oval slow cooker, you can fit two racks this way. The ribs may slide down during cooking and that is perfectly fine.
- Coat with BBQ Sauce:
- Pour barbecue sauce all over the ribs, making sure every surface is covered. Reserve about a third of the sauce for basting later and serving.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You want the thickest part of the ribs to reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and tender results.
- Transfer and Baste:
- Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a foil—lined baking sheet. Spoon some of the remaining BBQ sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ribs to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Caramelize Under the Broiler:
- Turn your oven broiler on high and place the ribs underneath. Watch closely and let the sauce caramelize for a few minutes until you see a rich glaze forming. This step is optional but highly recommended for that extra burst of flavor.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and cut the ribs into two—bone sections for easy serving. Enjoy the tender, saucy ribs with your favorite sides.
My favorite thing about this recipe is how forgiving the slow cooker method is. Whether you remove the membrane or not does not matter much because the ribs come out so soft it is hardly noticeable. One memorable summer evening, I brought these ribs to a backyard barbecue and they disappeared within minutes, sparking requests for the recipe right away.
Storage Tips
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave, brushing on extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
Baby back ribs can be swapped with St. Louis style ribs if that is what you have on hand. For the barbecue sauce, homemade or store—bought styles like Memphis or Texas barbecue sauces also work well, depending on your flavor preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A cold beer or sweet iced tea pairs perfectly to round out the meal.
These Crock Pot BBQ Ribs make an easy, family pleasing meal with minimal hands on time. Finish them briefly under the broiler for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Do I need to broil ribs after slow cooking?
Broiling is optional but helps caramelize the barbecue sauce for added flavor and a thicker glaze.
- → Should the membrane on the ribs be removed?
Removing the membrane is optional; slow cooking tenderizes it, but some prefer to remove it for texture.
- → Can I use homemade barbecue rubs?
Yes, homemade rubs work well and can enhance the flavor before slow cooking.
- → What barbecue sauce works best?
Classic options like KC Masterpiece or Sweet Baby Ray's provide a good balance of sweetness and tang.
- → Can ribs be cooked in the air fryer?
Yes, ribs can be cooked in an air fryer for a quicker, crispy finish.
- → Is it better to cut ribs before cooking?
Cutting ribs into sections helps fit them evenly into the cooker and promotes uniform cooking.