Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These Crock Pot Ribs are a simple, hands-off way to achieve tender, flavorful ribs with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze, they make a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 3 to 4 pounds)
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ cup water
• 2 to 3 tablespoons rib rub (or homemade rib rub in the notes)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ½ cup chili sauce
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (of choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub the front and back of the ribs evenly with the rib rub or homemade spice mixture.
2. Step 2: Slice the onion and garlic. Place the onion, sliced garlic, water, and ribs into the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Cook the ribs on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
4. Step 4: Preheat your broiler. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, chili sauce, and barbecue sauce.
5. Step 5: Brush the ribs generously with the sauce mixture. Broil or grill the ribs for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the ribs with the rub overnight before cooking.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ribs at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil for 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Use your favorite barbecue sauce style—sweet, spicy, or smoky—to customize the final flavor.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap ribs in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Yes, spare ribs can be used, but they are larger and may require a longer cooking time. Check for tenderness before finishing under the broiler.

Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs?

Removing the silver membrane helps the ribs absorb more flavor and makes them more tender, so it is recommended for best results.

Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

Tender and flavorful baby back ribs slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, then finished under the broiler with a tangy barbecue sauce glaze for a delicious charred finish. This easy recipe yields fall-off-the-bone ribs with a savory homemade rub and a rich, smoky sauce.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 8 hours 15 minutes (low)
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Ribs and Rub

• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 3 to 4 pounds)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons rib rub (or homemade rib rub in the notes)
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ cup water

Sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup
• ½ cup chili sauce
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (of choice)

Homemade Rib Rub (optional)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rub: If making a homemade rub, combine all the rub ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness, then rub the spice mixture evenly over the front and back of the ribs.
3. Load the Crock Pot: Place sliced onion, whole garlic cloves, and water into the slow cooker. Lay the seasoned ribs on top.
4. Slow Cook the Ribs: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the ribs are fork tender and easily pull apart.
5. Preheat the Broiler: Begin heating the broiler for finishing the ribs.
6. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, chili sauce, and barbecue sauce and mix well.
7. Broil the Ribs: Brush the cooked ribs liberally with the sauce mixture, then place under the broiler or on a grill for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and the ribs are slightly charred. Serve hot.

Notes

• Removing the silver skin from the ribs ensures they are tender and not chewy.
• Adjust spice levels in the homemade rub to your preference for heat and sweetness.
• Broiling adds a nice caramelized finish but can be substituted with grilling if preferred.
• Leftover ribs can be refrigerated and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
• Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize flavor profiles—smoky, sweet, or spicy.

Keywords: crock pot ribs, slow cooker ribs, baby back ribs, barbecue ribs, easy rib recipe, tender ribs