Slow Cooker Ribs

Tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor these Slow Cooker Ribs are the ultimate comfort meal. With a quick oven pre-bake for caramelized edges and a slow, gentle cook for melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe guarantees fall-apart delicious ribs every time with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

• 1 rack pork ribs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
• 32 oz (about 4 cups) of your favorite BBQ sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp light brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Season the Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub on the garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar until evenly coated.

3. Pre-Bake the Ribs

Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes. This step helps render some fat and deepens the flavor before slow cooking.

4. Slow Cook

Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner (optional but helpful for easy cleanup).
Place the ribs inside the slow cooker, wrapping them around the inner wall with the meat side facing outward. Alternatively, you can cut the rack into smaller sections to fit.

Pour most of the BBQ sauce over the ribs, reserving a small amount for serving later. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the ribs are tender but still hold together.

5. Serve

Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Brush or drizzle the reserved BBQ sauce over the top, and serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and hands-off: The slow cooker does all the work.
• Perfectly tender: Slow cooking makes the meat soft and flavorful without falling apart.
• Deliciously caramelized edges: The oven pre-bake gives the ribs a smoky, roasted flavor.
• Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Works with your favorite BBQ sauce and seasonings.

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Tips

• Remove the membrane: For more tender ribs, peel off the thin silver skin on the back of the rack before seasoning.
• Use a liner: Slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze.
• Add flavor depth: Mix a splash of apple cider vinegar or liquid smoke into your BBQ sauce.
• Check doneness: Ribs are perfect when the meat pulls away easily from the bone but doesn’t fall apart completely.
• Crispy finish: For a sticky, caramelized glaze, broil the ribs in the oven for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Different meat: Substitute beef ribs or baby back ribs — just adjust cook time (beef may need longer).
• Homemade BBQ sauce: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a quick DIY sauce.
• Spicy version: Add cayenne, chili flakes, or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
• Sweet & smoky: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

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FAQs

Can I cook the ribs on HIGH?
Yes! Cook on HIGH for 2½–3 hours, though LOW produces a more tender result.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the ribs, then store them in the fridge (with sauce) for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I freeze slow-cooked ribs?
Yes. Freeze cooled ribs in an airtight container with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Do I have to pre-bake them?
While optional, pre-baking helps develop rich flavor and prevents excess grease in the slow cooker.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker ribs with:

• Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
• Cornbread or buttery mashed potatoes
• Grilled corn on the cob
• A cool glass of iced tea or lemonade

For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or green onion on top before serving.