Nothing says comfort food like a rack of tender, juicy ribs. This slow cooker ribs recipe is the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality ribs at home with minimal fuss. Cooked low and slow, these ribs become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or craving a hearty meal, this recipe will not disappoint!
Equipment:
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil (optional, for broiling)
Ingredients:
- 3–4 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and flavor. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Arrange in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, curling them around the edges if necessary to fit. Pour apple cider vinegar or chicken broth around the ribs to keep them moist.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- Once the ribs are cooked, brush them with BBQ sauce. For extra caramelization, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil, brush with more sauce, and broil on high for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Slice the ribs into individual portions, brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired, and serve warm.
Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange the ribs on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Serve alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
Tips:
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce or experiment with different flavors like honey, chipotle, or smoky.
- For an extra smoky flavor, add a drop of liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
With this slow cooker ribs recipe, achieving tender, flavorful ribs has never been easier. It’s a foolproof method that lets the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Serve these ribs at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
Fall-off-the-bone slow cooker ribs, perfectly seasoned and smothered in BBQ sauce, make the ultimate tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil (optional, for broiling)
Ingredients
- 3 –4 pounds pork ribs baby back or spare ribs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and flavor. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Arrange in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, curling them around the edges if necessary to fit. Pour apple cider vinegar or chicken broth around the ribs to keep them moist.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- Once the ribs are cooked, brush them with BBQ sauce. For extra caramelization, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil, brush with more sauce, and broil on high for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Slice the ribs into individual portions, brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired, and serve warm.
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