Put a rack or two of ribs in your crock pot in the morning, let them slow cook all day, and you can have the most tender, finger-licking good ribs on the table for dinner in just minutes. They are perfect for game day.
I made a homemade BBQ Sauce for these ribs that’s both sweet and a little spicy. It can be made the night before to save time in the morning or you can use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce if you don’t want to go to the trouble of doing this step.
There is no easier way to cook ribs than in the slow cooker. They are guaranteed to be super tender.
The ribs are coated with a rub before they are put in the crock pot and the flavors of the spices really soak into the meat as it cooks.
Once the ribs have cooked on LOW for 8 hours (this is a really great recipe to cook while you are at work), they are slathered with sauce and broiled just long enough to make them look like they’ve come right off the grill.
Why I love Crock Pot Ribs:
- This is a hands off recipe. You don’t even have to peak at the ribs while they slow cook. You can even cook them overnight or while you are at work.
- There’s almost no risk of overcooking and drying out the ribs. They are guaranteed to be tender and juicy.
- No need to turn the oven on for hours or slave over a hot grill. During the summer in the south, you know what a bonus this is!
- A quick broil at the end makes these ribs seem like they came straight off the grill.
- Anyone can have success with this recipe.
Tips for making Crock Pot Ribs
What size slow cooker should I use?
- You will need a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
What type of ribs do I use?
- You can use St.Loius-style, baby back ribs, or country-style ribs.
Can I make them in advance?
- You can make these ribs a day in advance. Remove them from the refrigerator, cover with plastic wrap. Then broil them just before serving. You may want to broil them a little further from the heating element since they will need to heat all the way through and you will need to broil them a little longer.
How can I make sure they are as tender and easy to eat as possible?
- Remove the thin white membrane on the back of the ribs. Use a sharp knife to cut through it and then you should be able to grab the membrane and pull it off.
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Recipes to serve with Crock Pot Ribs
- Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage
- Buttermilk Coleslaw
- Southern Potato Salad
- Super Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Spicy Collard Greens
Watch the short video below to see how to make Crock Pot Ribs.
Crock Pot Ribs
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Rub
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds St. Louis-style ribs
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for sauce in a medium pot and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove thin skin from the back side of the ribs. Rub dry rub into ribs.
- Place ribs in a lightly greased crock pot.
- Pour 1/2 cup sauce over ribs.
- Cover crock pot and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
- Place ribs on a baking sheet. Brush remaining sauce on ribs and broil for 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
You know what’s sad? I’ve never made ribs! That’s going to change because this looks like the easiest way to make them. Can’t wait to try these!
Ha! Not sad! Im closer to 40 than 30 with today being my first day attempting to even cook PORK! Ive alway used chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, etc..
These ribs are mesmerizing! Great use for the slow-cooker. You’ve got me thinking about summer… : )
Oh this looks SO good, Christin! I’ve always wanted to try ribs in the crock pot, so now I’ve got the motivation to do so. Your pictures are just mouthwatering!
I love that you made these in the slow cooker! They look perfect – so tender and juicy!
That looks so good!! Yumm
I adore using my slow cooker for ribs! I really love all those spices you used in the rub!
I cannot believe ribs can be this easy to make! And look better than ever!
These ribs look amazing! I love how hands-off this meal prep is 🙂
Don’t you just love the convenience of crockpot?! Just throw everything in and after few hours you are greeted with the most tender amazing meals! These look delish!
I’m definitely saving this one. I know some huge rib fans who would go crazy for this. Yum!