Want delicious, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs without standing over a hot grill? These slow cooker BBQ ribs are the perfect solution! Slowly cooked until tender and coated in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce, these ribs make an incredible family dinner with very little effort.
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the meat to become tender while absorbing the delicious flavors of garlic, paprika, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce. Finish the ribs under the broiler or on a hot grill for a sticky, caramelized coating that tastes just like your favorite barbecue restaurant.
Whether you’re preparing a weekend feast or an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Slow cooking time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Finishing time: 5–10 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 6–8 hours
- Servings: 4–6 people
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2–3 pounds (900 g–1.4 kg) pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
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