The Best Homemade Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll love how easy and delicious these homemade crock pot ribs are—just set it and forget it! Tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort makes this recipe a winner.

Effortless cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
Flavor-packed: A perfect blend of spices and sauce for mouthwatering ribs every time.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings, with everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe

Slow-cooked ribs are a crowd-pleaser, and this homemade crock pot ribs recipe makes it incredibly easy to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is packed with flavor and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut each rack into 3-4 smaller sections to fit in the crock pot.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Place the ribs into the crock pot, stacking them if necessary.
Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
Optional: Preheat the broiler. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Notes

For extra smokiness, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the crock pot before cooking.
If using spare ribs instead of baby back ribs, increase cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Equipment

Crock Pot (6-quart or larger)
Baking sheet (optional, for broiling)

Time

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours

Cuisine

American

Serving

Serves 4-6

Nutrition

Enjoy tender and flavorful ribs right from your crock pot. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal any day.

What To Serve With It

I’m always excited to pair my crock pot ribs with the perfect sides, like creamy coleslaw or fluffy cornbread. A cold, crisp beer or sweet iced tea complements the smoky flavors so well. Let’s talk about some of my go-to combinations that’ll make your meal unforgettable.

Side Dishes

When I make crock pot ribs, I love pairing them with sides that balance their rich, smoky flavor. Creamy coleslaw is my go-to—its cool crunch cuts through the richness perfectly. I also whip up some cornbread muffins; their sweetness complements the savory ribs so well. For something fresh, I toss a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, adding a burst of brightness to the meal. Roasted vegetables, like garlicky green beans or honey-glazed carrots, are another favorite. And don’t forget classic baked beans—they’re hearty and soak up all that delicious rib flavor. These sides make every bite even better!

Beverage Pairings

After enjoying those flavorful sides with your crock pot ribs, let’s talk about what drinks can bring the meal together. A cold beer, like a lager or amber ale, cuts through the richness, while a bold red wine, such as Zinfandel, complements the smoky sweetness. If you’re not into alcohol, try iced tea with a squeeze of lemon—it’s invigorating and balances the ribs’ savoriness. For something fizzy, a ginger ale or root beer adds fun contrast. Personally, I love pairing mine with a tangy cherry cola—it’s unexpected but totally works. Cheers to a perfect meal!