Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Slow cooker barbecue ribs are very easy to make and come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. 🍖

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1–2 cups barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs
   Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if possible, then cut the rack into pieces that fit your slow cooker.
2. Season
   Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
3. Add to slow cooker
   Place the ribs standing up or stacked inside the slow cooker.
4. Add sauce
   Pour about 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the ribs. Add the vinegar if using.
5. Cook
   • Low: 6–8 hours
   • High: 3–4 hours
6. Optional finishing step (for sticky ribs)
   Place cooked ribs on a baking sheet, brush with more barbecue sauce, and broil in the oven 3–5 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Serving ideas

Serve with:

• coleslaw 🥗
• baked beans
• corn on the cob 🌽
• potato salad

✅ Tip: The ribs should be so tender they almost fall off the bone.

If you want, I can also give you:

• A 3-ingredient slow cooker ribs recipe (super simple)
• A homemade barbecue sauce recipe
• A slow cooker ribs trick restaurants use for extra flavor.