This post may contain affiliate links.
Crock Pot Ribs are fall off the bone tender and full of warm spices and flavor. These ribs cook in a slow cooker saving you time and making this meal easy and perfect for a crowd! You will love those easy these are to make!
There is something fun about eating a messy meal that leaves you liking your fingers clean, right? I know my kids think so..but I do too! I love barbecue ribs and all of that flavorful sauce that coats the ribs. We eat them in restaurants a lot but rarely make them at home. That all changed once I started making these Crock Pot Ribs.
The first time I made barbecue ribs in the slow cooker my husband looked at me like I was crazy. He was of the belief that you do ribs in a smoker or in your oven, but these ribs in the slow cooker changed that for him. The thing that works with these ribs is that they cook low and slow in the crockpot which helps create that tender, fall off the bone pork that we love so much with ribs. Whenever my husband requests ribs this is my go-to recipe and it is an easy one.
If you like these ribs you also might like my Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs, Cranberry Braised Short Ribs, Balsamic Short Ribs Recipe or these Slow Cooker Italian Short Ribs
Recipe Ingredients
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below.
- Pork Back Ribs: I like to use pork back ribs. Try to trim off any excess fat if you can.
- BBQ Sauce: You can either buy your favorite bbq sauce or make your own Homemade BBQ Sauce.
- Spice Rub: The spice rub mixture is paprika, brown sugar, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder and cayenne red pepper.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ribs?
Step 1. Create Rub: You start with mixing together your spice rub mixture. I provide a recipe for a spice rub mixture below.
Step 2. Trim Skin: Next you will trim any extra thin skin on the ribs and then rub the spice mixture on both sides of the ribs.
Step 3. Slow Cook Ribs: From here you place the ribs in a slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce on top of the ribs and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. I highly suggest going with the low setting because I think it helps get those ribs tender and more flavorful.
Step 4. Check Temp: You will know your ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 185-190 degrees and the meat can be easily pulled from the bone.
Recipe Tips
- No Peaking: Remember not to lift the lid once the ribs start cooking or it will add time to the total cook time. When cooking on low it should take about 8 hours and on high about 4 hours. I like to cook them low and slow because it helps them become more tender. If you want the meat to literally fall-off-the-bone I suggest cooking it on low for 9 hours.
- Broil: When you are done cooking the ribs in the slow cooker you can finish them off in the broiler for that extra crispy, charred outer layer. To do this remove the ribs and place them on a baking sheet with foil placed on it. Baste the ribs with some extra BBQ sauce and then broil for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove Membrane: Before you cook ribs I suggest that you remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the sauce and spices absorb into the ribs better when they are cooking. You can see how to do that here.
Storage Tips
Store the leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat you can heat slowly in the oven or a microwave.
More Pork Recipes
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for the latest.
Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Video
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork back ribs
- 1 bottle barbecue sauce, {or homemade bbq sauce}
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for more heat
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine the spice rub spices and stir well. Set aside.
- Remove the ribs from the packaging and trim off the thin skin if there is any. Use your hands and rub the ribs on both sides with the spice rub mixture.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour half of the barbecue sauce over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the ribs are tender. The internal temperature of the meat should be 185 to 190 degrees. Remove the ribs and brush with remaining sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- The cook time for these ribs in your slow cooker may vary depending on the type of slow cooker. Mine were done at about the 5 hour mark on low.
- You can check them and see if they are tender at the 5 hour mark and then cook more if you think they aren’t to your liking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are fall apart tender!
Thanks!! We loved them.
This one of my favorite ways to make ribs. It’s so easy and they come out ultra tender!!
I love that the slow cooker makes ribs so fall of the bones delicious! Who needs to wait for summer?
I agree! You can use this recipe to make them year round!
Slow cookers are the best way to make ribs!
They sure make it easy!
My husband loves to make ribs and hasn’t tried the slow cooker method yet – printing for him!
I am a SUCKER for ribs! These look AMAZING!
This is very timely as I will be having quite a crowd at home on Sunday and I would have to agree that a slow cooked bbq is a great idea.
Actually, I am so excited to try this that I can’t wait for Sunday to come. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Hope you enjoy it! It is great for a crowd.