This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Get ready for the most incredible Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs! Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, and come home to sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs bursting with barbecue goodness. These ribs are as effortless as they are mouthwatering, needing just four ingredients to deliver perfection.
What Makes Our Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs Unique
What sets these Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs apart from every other recipe out there? It’s all about bold flavors and effortless cooking. A generous hit of garlic in the marinade brings depth, while the slow cooker works its magic, giving you juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs without lifting a finger.
While we adore our Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs, this slow cooker version takes simplicity to a whole new level. Finished with a sticky barbecue glaze, a hint of cayenne, and broiled for that perfect charred edge, these ribs are nothing short of spectacular. If you’ve tried our Sticky Barbecue Chinese Pork Belly or Barbecue Buffalo Chicken Thighs, you already know we take barbecue sauce very seriously. Trust me—these ribs are next-level perfection!
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs: Key Ingredients
The secret to these Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs lies in the ingredients. A smoky-sweet barbecue sauce brings bold flavor, garlic adds a savory kick, and a touch of cayenne delivers just the right amount of heat. Simple staples, mouthwatering results!
- Barbecue Sauce: The backbone of this recipe, a high-quality barbecue sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. For the best results, choose a sauce made with natural ingredients—it enhances the meat without overpowering it. Also, try it in my BBQ Baked Pork Chops for another easy dinner option!This works well in my BBQ Baked Pork Chops recipe too.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient not only adds a rich sweetness but also caramelizes beautifully during cooking and broiling. It’s what helps create that irresistible sticky glaze on your ribs.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a robust, savory note that balances the sweetness from the sauce and sugar. For convenience, jarred garlic works too, but fresh is always best for flavor intensity!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This pantry staple brings depth with its tangy vinegar, savory anchovies, and warm molasses notes. It pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce and is a game-changer in our Classic Meatloaf recipe as well.
*Pro Note: See recipe card at the bottom for full list of ingredients and measurements.
Additions And Substitutions
When it comes to Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, it’s all about the ease. Short on ingredients? No problem—simple substitutions will still deliver that tender, sticky barbecue perfection!
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup to bring a different kind of sweetness. Both add a unique depth of flavor and enhance the sticky glaze beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle in smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor—no smoker needed! This simple addition takes the marinade to the next level.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an aromatic touch. These herbs subtly infuse the ribs with an earthy, delicate flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Replace Worcestershire sauce with apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. It perfectly balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, adding a zesty twist.
Creating Perfect Slow Cooked Barbecue Ribs: Step-By-Step
Time to roll up your sleeves! In just a handful of easy steps, you’ll have tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs ready to steal the show. Let’s get cooking!
- Remove the Membrane: Slide a blunt knife or fork under the membrane at one end of the ribs and over a bone. Lift and pull the membrane off—it may come off in one piece or tear. This step ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Mix the Barbecue Sauce: Combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a bowl. This creates a flavorful marinade that complements the ribs perfectly.
- * Pro Tip – Removing the membrane from the Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs is not essential, but I find the sauce is better absorbed into the meat when removed.
- Add Ribs to Slow Cooker: Lightly spray your slow cooker with cooking spray, then layer the ribs inside. Pour half the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, coating them evenly. Reserve the rest for basting later.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to your desired setting. Cook on low for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or on high for slightly firmer ones. Let the slow cooker work its magic.
- * Pro Tip – Monitor Cooking throughout. The slow cooking process allows the connective tissue in the ribs to break down, creating tender meat.
- Broil for a Perfect Finish: Transfer the cooked ribs to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baste generously with the reserved barbecue sauce, then broil for 5-10 minutes until caramelized and lightly charred. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones or serving the rack whole. Pair with the remaining barbecue sauce for dipping, and enjoy every sticky, delicious bite!
- * Pro Tip – When moving the ribs to the baking tray take your time and use tongs at either side of the rack, the Slow Cooker Ribs will be very tender and may fall apart if rushed.
Complete your feast with these Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs by pairing them with some irresistible sides! Add a pop of color and flavor with our Parmesan Roasted Carrots, or treat yourself to the ultimate comfort of Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread—perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious barbecue sauce. For something lighter, our Southwestern Chicken Salad brings a refreshing balance, making your barbecue spread truly unforgettable! Explore these recipes and create a meal everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ’s
While it’s not strictly necessary, removing the membrane improves flavor absorption from the marinade and sauce, resulting in juicier ribs.
Broiling the ribs after slow cooking is essential. Baste the ribs with sauce and broil them in the oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
It is recommended to thaw them first for more even cooking. Cooking from frozen may require additional cooking time.
Refrigerate leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. If you have leftover sauce, you can try it with our Portuguese BBQ Peri Peri Chicken.
Delicious Sides To Pair These BBQ Ribs With
Love The Food? Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram to be notified about our new recipes!
You might also like
Get a free eBook!
Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and receive recipes straight into your inbox!
Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper optional for a hint of spice
- 2 kg baby back pork ribs 4 pounds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- Spray inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Remove inner skin (membrane) from ribs and place ribs in slow cooker. Discard skin.
- Combine bbq sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to combine and completely cover with half of the sauce.
- Season with a good amount of salt and pepper; cover with lid and cook on low setting for 7-9 hours or high setting for 3-5 hours *see notes. Refrigerate remaining sauce to use later.
- When ribs are tender and falling apart, transfer onto an oven tray (or baking sheet), lined with parchment paper. (Lift them carefully as the meat will be very tender and falling off the bone).
- Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into the remaining sauce. Baste ribs with half of the sauce and broil (grill) in preheated oven at 400°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges.
- Serve ribs with remaining sauce.
Notes
- LOW: 7 HOURS / HIGH: 3 HOURS — Ribs that are soft but stay on the bone (as shown in the video in post).
- LOW: 9 HOURS / HIGH: 4-5 HOURS — Tender, fall apart ribs that melt in your mouth like butter (as shown in the images in post).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m going to make country style ribs this week. I guess they will be just as good with this delicious recipe.
In my crockpot now, 2 hrs left! I love these ribs…perfect every time! First time making them for friends tonight…
This website has not disappointed me yet with any of the recipes! The ribs were so tender and fell apart with just being in the slow cooker for 7 hours on low! I will definitely be making these again. The sauce went so well with the ribs!
Sooooo good! I’ve made them twice. This last time, I doubled the recipe and it worked great! It was enough for us for 7 adults and 3 kids. Thank you Karina, I’ve never made ribs before and this recipe is foolproof!
I made these ribs tonight! I cooked it on high for 5hours. It smells delicious! Broiling them took no time! Our family loved this fall of the bone recipe!! I will be making this again ❤️
They were soo yummy!
Incredible! I did all the prep the evening before and let them marinate in the ceramic pot over night. The bones just slipped away! My partner was dancing while licking his fingers. XD
Which barbecue sauce would you recommend as the base? We used a flavored sauce and added all your recommendations on top.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Made these today best ribs I ever cooked!!!
I never tried in the crockpot before. I followed the recipe and mmmmmm delicious!! They truly did melt in your mouth and they fell right off the bone!! And was so easy!! Snowy cold day today who woulda thought of ribs on a day like this! Will definitely make again!!
First tried this recipe in the heart of the pandemic as a means of trying new things and stopping myself from going insane. It is RIDICULOUSLY easy to prepare and comes out perfectly every time. My teenage son loves it and it makes for an easy yet delicious meal that can be paired with French fries, mac and cheese, greens etc.
I made this yesterday and it was a hit! I will definitely save this recipe!! I did low/warm heat for 7 hours then finished in the oven. Delicious!
Did the baby back ribs in slow cooker. Wonderful. Just fell off the bone! Thank you!