Crock Pot Ribs are an easy way to make the most delicious pork ribs for any occasion. This slow cooker ribs recipe is so simple! You can cook these crock pot BBQ ribs stress-free, and they’ll come out super tender and flavorful. Find out how to cook fall-off-the-bone ribs in a crock pot, and serve them on game day, at BBQs, or any get together that needs a delicious dish.
Best Crockpot Ribs Recipe
This easy ribs recipe will be your new favorite way to make pork ribs. There’s nothing easier (or tastier) than slow cooker ribs!
BBQ Ribs are always a favorite for any occasion. Weeknight dinners, summer time barbecues, holidays and get togethers, and especially game day! There’s never a bad time to eat ribs.
This easy crock pot ribs recipe is the best way to make them because it’s so simple and hassle free. Slow cooking the meat into the juiciest most delicious flavor!
These Crock Pot BBQ ribs are a real winner. Moist, tender, fall off the bone meat cooked in BBQ sauce. Everyone will devour these! I love serving ribs on game day, and cooking ribs in a crock pot is the easiest way to do that.
Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe:
EASY RECIPE: Making BBQ ribs in a crock pot is one of the EASIEST ways to make them. Prep time is quick, then just let them cook!
PERFECT BBQ RIBS: Get the most perfect, succulent, tender, and flavorful ribs with this recipe!
ANY OCCASION: Make delicious slow cooker BBQ ribs for any occasion. They’re great for game day, the Super Bowl, summer BBQs, and weeknight dinners.
You can just let them cook while the game is on, and serve them with plenty of BBQ sauce! We love Oven Baked Ribs, but this recipe is just so much easier.
No matter when you serve these, make sure you add in some Cheesy Texas Toast, BBQ Baked Beans, or your favorite BBQ sides.
Easy Crock Pot BBQ Ribs
Slow cooker ribs are the easiest way to make delicious BBQ ribs! Just place them in the crock pot, add your BBQ sauce, and let them cook. That’s all there is to it!
I love these for game day. In addition to all of the appetizers, you need something more substantial too.
Whether it’s burgers, tacos, or something else, it’s nice to have a sort of “main dish” to make sure everyone can fill up while watching the game, drinking beer, and eating snacks.
So crock pot BBQ ribs are a front runner for game day, especially Super Bowl Sunday!
Ingredients
Pork Ribs: You can use St. Louis style spare ribs OR baby back ribs. Either type works fine (and tastes great!).
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for his recipe. Any kind works, store-bought or homemade. Try this “homemade” barbecue sauce that we love.
Dry Rub: We use a mix of paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to make the dry rub seasoning for these ribs.
Cider Vinegar: This is optional, but I recommend adding it in if you’re using a sweeter BBQ sauce. It adds a tanginess and just helps balance out the flavor.
How do you prep ribs before cooking in a slow cooker?
Prep time for these BBQ ribs is super quick, and you only need to do a few simple things.
Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Place a knife under the membrane, lift, and pull. I’ve linked to an instructional video in the recipe card. You can also buy ribs that have already had this removed.
Make sure the racks will fit in your slow cooker. I like to keep them as big as possible, but you’ll still have to cut them into a few pieces. See the recipe card for details on how to place them in the slow cooker. You can eyeball it to make sure you cut to the right size.
How to Cook Ribs in a Crock Pot
Prep ribs and set crock pot to LOW setting.
Mix ingredients to make the dry rub, and rub evenly over the ribs.
Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and place them in the slow cooker.
Pour sauce on top and add vinegar.
Cover and cook 5-6 hours.
Slice and serve with extra barbecue sauce, and enjoy!
TIPS!
You will need to cut the ribs a bit to make them fit in the slow cooker. It’s easy to just eyeball it as you work them into the cooker.
Make sure you remove the silver membrane before cooking!
When done cooking, simply slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce!
Store leftover crock pot ribs in the fridge up to 3 days. You can wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in airtight containers. Let them cool before refrigerating.
Pork ribs should reach an internal temperature of at least 145F before consuming. However, we will be cooking them to a higher temperature to make sure they’re super tender. We want them closer to 195F.
Cooking BBQ Ribs in the Crockpot
Cooking ribs in a crock pot seems too good to be true! Who knew you could make the most amazing BBQ ribs in a slow cooker? This crockpot ribs recipe is just so easy.
Basically, you just need to season the ribs, set them in the crock pot, and let them cook! You can use spare ribs or baby back ribs for this slow cooker BBQ ribs recipe.
Simple as that! To serve the crock pot BBQ ribs, just slice the meat between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce. So juicy, so tender, so delicious!
If you prefer to grill, we’ve got an awesome St. Louis Grilled Ribs recipe for you!
Why make ribs in a crock pot?
This method is a super easy way to slow cook ribs. Prep time is short, and the rest of the cooking time is totally hands-off. You can set it and forget it most of the day.
What style ribs should I use?
Use pork ribs for this recipe. You can use spare ribs or baby back ribs, whichever you prefer. You can also use boneless ribs.
Can ribs be overcooked in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to overcook ribs, which would turn the meat into mush. Cooking them on the low setting is ideal to prevent this from happening. Just check on them regularly towards the end for doneness.
Do you season BBQ ribs before saucing?
Yes, add the dry rub FIRST to season the ribs. Then add the BBQ sauce.
Do you sauce both sides of the ribs?
Yes. Before cooking, brush BBQ sauce onto both sides of the ribs.
Why do you need to remove the silverskin from the ribs?
The silver skin/membrane on the back of the ribs will make them super tough and rubbery when cooked. It also acts as a shield and will prevent seasonings from fully penetrating the meat (and we want them to be well-seasoned!). So you absolutely want to remove it.
Can I cook frozen ribs in a crock pot?
No, do not add frozen ribs directly into the slow cooker. They won’t cook fast enough in relation to the thawing, and it could cause issues with food safety. If you are going to use frozen ribs, fully defrost them in the fridge before cooking.
How long to cook ribs in a crock pot?
With the slow cooker set to low, give the slow cooker ribs about 5-6 hours to fully cook. They will come out super juicy and tender, ready to eat! You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours, but I recommend using the low setting if you have the time.
Can I use boneless pork ribs for this recipe?
Yes! You can totally use boneless ribs. Just check for tenderness before serving, they might need a bit more time in the crockpot. Sometimes boneless ribs are just easier, and that’s totally fine!
Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Ribs:
Creamy Homemade Coleslaw
BBQ Baked Beans
Instant Pot Potato Salad
Perfect Baked Potato
See More BBQ Side Dishes
Baby Back Ribs vs Spare Ribs
This crock pot recipe works with both baby back ribs and spare ribs, so the choice is up to you.
Baby back ribs are smaller than spare ribs. They are shorter, and will generally weigh less and feed fewer people, but they are super tender and lean. Spare ribs are going to be meatier, with more fat, making them super flavorful when cooked.
A rack of spareribs will usually feed 3-4 people. Because of the size difference, expect the spare ribs to take a bit longer to cook than baby back ribs.
Again, you can use either type of pork ribs for this slow cooker ribs recipe. Both will turn out amazing, it’s really up to your preferences.
These slow cooker BBQ ribs are just so easy, so tender, and so flavorful. They’re a reader favorite and a family favorite too! Cooking pork ribs in a crock pot is the easiest method, and perfect for days when you have a lot of other cooking to do. Make them for game day, parties, or just a weeknight dinner at home.
