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We LOVE making meat in the slow cooker because it’s so simple! Other than these crock pot ribs, some of our favorites include Kalua pork, Meatballs, and Teriyaki chicken.
Trust us when we say that these are the BEST crockpot ribs!
They are super simple and turn out delicious every time – it’s foolproof! The meat is cooked to perfection and has a tenderness that just can’t be beaten. It’s fall-off-the-bone good!
We love eating ribs all year long, but especially in the summer. This dinner recipe is great for when you don’t want to heat the grill or heat your house by turning on the oven. Also, clean up is a breeze!
After the ribs are done slow cooking, serve them with some of your favorite sides like our famous Potato Salad.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Set it and forget it. This crock pot recipe is mostly hands-off, which is one reason we love it!!
- Fall of the bone. These ribs are cooked to perfection – tender AND delicious!
- Feeds a crowd. Great for a small family, big family, or cooking for a crowd!
Crock Pot Ribs Ingredients And Substitutions
- 3 pounds baby back pork ribs – also referred to as pork loin back ribs
- 2 cups barbecue sauce – Use any brand that is your favorite; we love to make homemade BBQ Sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
How to Make Crock Pot Ribs
- PREP. Spray the crock of the crock pot with cooking spray, or use a liner for easy cleanup. Cut the rack of ribs in half to fit into the crock pot.
- SAUCE. In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire, chili powder, and salt. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
- COOK + SERVE. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Spoon/brush the additional barbecue sauce over the ribs before serving for extra flavor.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- To make tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, we cook them on low for 6 hours; otherwise, they can be cooked on high for 3-4 hours.
- You can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs; both have longer bones, and you may need a larger crock pot and cook for closer to 8 hours.
- For a smoky twist, we’ll often add ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a 3-4 pound rack of ribs.
- For extra saucy ribs, have more BBQ sauce on hand to coat the cooked ribs with.
- You’ll need at least a 6-quart slow cooker. You can cut the rack in half or curl it around the circumference of the crock pot.
Crock Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back pork ribs
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Spray the crock of the crock pot with cooking spray, or use a liner for easy cleanup. Cut the rack of ribs in half to fit into the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire, chili powder, and salt. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Spoon the additional barbecue sauce over the ribs before serving.
Notes
- To make fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs, cook them on low for 6-8 hours.
- You can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs; both have longer bones, and you may need a 7-8 quart crock pot and cook for closer to 8 hours.
- For a smoky twist, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a 3-4 pound rack of ribs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Cooked leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Reheat rib leftovers in the microwave or preheat the oven to 250°F. Wrap them in foil, including an extra coating of BBQ sauce. Place in a baking pan and heat for 20-30 minutes. Open the foil and broil for about 3 minutes.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Easy Coleslaw
10 mins
Homemade Cornbread
35 mins
Homemade Potato Salad
55 mins
Best Homemade Mac and Cheese
40 mins
Desserts
Blueberry Galette
45 mins
Chocolate Mousse
2 hrs 20 mins
Cherry Pie Recipe
1 hr 50 mins
No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
4 hrs 15 mins
Rib Dinners
Dr. Pepper Ribs
3 hrs 15 mins
Baby Back Ribs
4 hrs 40 mins
Country Style Pork Ribs
2 hrs 40 mins
Easy Prime Rib Recipe
3 hrs 35 mins
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This recipe was originally published June 2020.
So much for a 4 hr recipe as described.
Had company over last weekend and made these. Ribs and salad and cornbread and roasted veggies for dinner, Ribs and mashed potatoes later, ribs and mac and cheese to use up the leftovers. Everything turned out absolutely delicious.
Aweome
Very yummy ribs! And so easy!
What about boneless ribs? Same amount of cooking time?
Thank you’
I haven’t tried, but I would think so 🙂
These were amazingly tasty!
can i add liquid smoke?
You sure could 🙂 Enjoy!
Decided to make this tonight for dinner and my family and I were pleasantly surprised! This recipe is for sure a keeper
Glad it’s a keeper!! Thank you for trying it!
So tender and the flavor was excellent. Great recipe!
I can’t believe how good these turned out in a slow cooker! such a great, easy way to make ribs!
This is one of the best ways to make ribs! They come out so tender every time!
We love making these! The meat falls off the bone! They are so good!
I dont know why, but ribs always seem too tricky to make, but with a crock pot its definitely more doable.
Ribs in the cRockpot. So delicious and easy. Great for any gathering!