Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

Savor the World.

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

I don’t know a single person who doesn’t like BBQ ribs. Some people just like them, but me? I absolutely love them. The bold flavor, the tenderness, and that irresistible aroma… mmm, so delicious! Well, in this recipe we’re making them super easy in the Crock Pot and extra tasty. Trust me, your friends and family are going to love them—so, here we go!

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

Servings:6

Prep Time: 16 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours and 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds (1.36 kg) pork ribs
2 cups (480 ml) of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or chicken broth
1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
2 teaspoons (10 g) smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)

Necessary Equipment

Crock Pot or slow cooker
Medium mixing bowl
Spoon for stirring
Kitchen tongs
Sharp knife
Cutting board

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Did you know BBQ ribs are so popular in the U.S. that there are official “rib cook-offs,” where judges sample dozens of different versions? Some recipes even use Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper as the base for the sauce. Sounds wild, but a lot of people swear it works!

Instructions

Let’s start! Begin by trimming any excess fat from the ribs with a sharp knife. If they still have that thin silver membrane on the back, remove it—it doesn’t add any flavor and makes the ribs tougher. To take it off, slip the tip of your knife under one corner, gently lift it, and pull it away using a paper towel for grip.
In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and you see a smooth, slightly thick sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well to create a fragrant dry rub that will give your ribs that delicious smoky flavor.
Place the ribs on a cutting board and sprinkle the dry rub on both sides. Gently massage the spices into the meat with your hands, making sure to coat every corner. Do it with care and love—it really makes a difference in the flavor.

Arrange the ribs inside your Crock Pot. If they fit whole, great! If not, cut them into smaller sections, always along the bone. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t worry if they’re not fully submerged—the slow cooking process will take care of it.
Cover your Crock Pot and set it on LOW. Now comes the patience part: let them cook for 6 hours without lifting the lid. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat pulls away easily from the bone with a fork.
For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brush with a little extra BBQ sauce, and broil them in the oven for about 5 minutes. The sauce will bubble, thicken, and cling to the meat, giving you that irresistible sticky glaze.
Done! The beauty of this recipe is that your Crock Pot does all the heavy lifting. Serve the ribs hot, straight from the slow cooker or after broiling, and pair them with classic sides like corn on the cob, fresh coleslaw, or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget the napkins—these ribs are so juicy and finger-licking good, you’ll definitely need them!

Ingredient Substitutions

Ribs: You can swap pork ribs for beef ribs, though the cooking time will vary and the flavor is quite different.
BBQ Sauce: If you don’t have it on hand, just mix ketchup with a little honey, vinegar, and spices.
Broth: Beef or chicken broth can easily be replaced with water plus a pinch of bouillon powder—easy, right?
Brown sugar: You can replace it with maple syrup or honey.
Apple cider vinegar: Another simple one—swap it out for fresh lemon juice.

Prep Tips

Membrane: Definitely remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. It doesn’t add any flavor, and getting rid of it helps the spices soak in better and makes the ribs more tender.
Marinade: If you have the time, let the ribs sit in the sauce overnight for a deeper, richer flavor.
Even cooking: Don’t overcrowd your Crock Pot—it’s always better to leave space so the ribs cook evenly and come out tender.
Thicker sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, reduce some of the liquid in a small pot after cooking.
Final taste check: Always, always taste before serving—adjust the sweetness or the spice to fit your style.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Healthy Fats: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Natural Sugars: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 980 mg

Storing & Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, no problem.
Reheating in the oven: Place them at 300°F (150°C), covered with aluminum foil, for about 15 minutes.
Reheating in the microwave: If you need to, heat them in short intervals to prevent drying out and add a little extra sauce. Honestly though, I recommend the oven for the best flavor.

Story or Inspiration

Crock Pot BBQ ribs are really a reflection of American creativity—taking a traditional barbecue dish and adapting it to modern life. They’re inspired by the passion of Southern BBQ, but the slow cooker lets you get that same tender, fall-off-the-bone result without spending hours at the grill. It’s a way to enjoy a true classic right at home, even on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen ribs? Yes, but I recommend thawing them first for better cooking results.
What if my Crock Pot is small? Easy—just cut the ribs into shorter sections so they fit without an issue.
Can I cook them on high heat? You can, about 3 hours on HIGH, but they’re way better on LOW—more tender, juicier, and so much more flavorful.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? You can use regular paprika or even sweet pimentón, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I make them without sugar? Of course—use calorie-free sweeteners or simply leave out the brown sugar, though keep in mind the flavor will change a little.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy coleslaw—an absolute classic side for ribs.
Grilled corn on the cob with butter and cotija cheese, another classic and always delicious.
Homemade garlic mashed potatoes, rich and comforting.
For a drink, go with fresh lemonade, a light beer, or hey—even an ice-cold Coke.
And to finish, how about a classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream?

Recipe Variations

Dark beer: Oh man, this one is so good! Just add dark beer to the cooking liquid for a bolder flavor with malty notes.
Honey and mustard: Mix them into your BBQ sauce for a sweet-and-spicy contrast that’s delicious.
Fresh jalapeño: If heat is your thing, toss in some slices during cooking for a natural spicy kick.
Bourbon and honey: Another incredible one—brush this glaze on the ribs before serving for a caramelized, extra tasty finish.
Asian style: Add hoisin sauce and ginger to the mix for an oriental twist full of flavor.

And that’s it! Easy, right? You’ll see how these delicious BBQ ribs in your Crock Pot will be the star of any dinner or get-together with family or friends. They’re simply exquisite, and now you know how to make them… so, happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.