Say less 😄 Here’s an easy, fall-off-the-bone crockpot barbecue ribs recipe that’s basically foolproof.
Crockpot BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked if you’ve got it)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional heat)
- 1–1½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- Optional: ¼ cup apple juice or cola (extra tender vibes)
Prep
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs (huge for tenderness).
- Cut ribs into sections (3–4 ribs each) so they fit nicely.
- Mix spices and rub all over the ribs.
Cook
- Lightly spray the crockpot.
- Layer ribs inside (they can stack).
- Pour apple juice/cola around the sides if using.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 7–8 hours (best texture)
- High: 3–4 hours
Sauce & Finish (important!)
- Carefully remove ribs (they’ll be very tender).
- Brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Finish one of these ways:
- Broiler: 3–5 minutes until sticky and caramelized
- Grill: Medium heat, 5–10 minutes total, flipping once
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the broil/grill step — that’s where the magic happens.
- Too sweet? Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Want smoky flavor? Add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the crockpot.
If you want, I can tailor this:
👉 super sweet
👉 spicy
👉 dry-rub style
👉 beef ribs instead
Just tell me the vibe. 🍖🔥
