This Crockpot Barbecue Ribs recipe is your go-to for fall-off-the-bone, slow-cooked ribs drenched in sticky, smoky BBQ sauce—easy to prep, irresistibly tender, and perfect for hands-off comfort food nights.
Ingredients
- 2½ – 3 lb pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite style
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup water or apple juice
Instructions
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Prep the ribs
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Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Season
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In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and brown sugar. Rub the seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs.
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Place in slow cooker
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Cut ribs into sections if needed to fit. Stand them along the inside edge of the crockpot.
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Make the sauce
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In another bowl, whisk barbecue sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and water (or apple juice).
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Pour and cover
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Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
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Slow cook
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Cover and cook:
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Low: 7–8 hours
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High: 3½–4½ hours
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Ribs are ready when very tender and easily pull apart.
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Optional caramelized finish
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Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until sticky and slightly charred.