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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Close-up of tender Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs glazed with a sticky sauce on a wooden board.

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Enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a no-fuss cookout favorite.

Ingredients

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  • 34 pounds pork ribs (St. Louis style or baby back)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. If your ribs have a membrane on the back, carefully remove it using a knife and paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork ribs.
  4. Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  5. Place the seasoned ribs on top of the sauce in the slow cooker. You may need to cut them into sections to fit.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
  7. Once cooked, you can remove the ribs from the slow cooker. For a slightly caramelized finish, place them on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or grill them for a few minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce.
  8. Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, you can apply a dry rub to the ribs and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
  • If you don’t have a specific BBQ sauce you love, you can make a simple one by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to traditional grilling, offering a similar flavor profile with less effort.

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