Crock Pot Ribs come out melt in your mouth tender and so full of flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or easy weekend dinners with the slow cooker tenderizing in baby back ribs. A quick brush of bbq sauce and a flash grill (or broil) finishes these off beautifully!
Crock Pot BBQ ribs are always a hit and perfect served alongside our favorite Coleslaw Recipe, corn on the cob and Baked French Fries!
How To Prepare Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs
I’m pretty much known for my Instant Pot Ribs and my succulent Barbecue Ribs in the Oven so it’s only natural I’d share my fave crockpot rib recipe!
For all the methods, the process is similar, allow the ribs to cook low and slow so the meat becomes buttery and tender and finish up with sauce and a grill (or broil).
- Prep the ribs by removing the silver membrane from the back (photo below). You can just slip a knife under it and pull (a piece of paper towel can help you grip it if it’s slippery). If you’re having trouble finding the membrane in this step, your ribs may already have it removed. Once in a while you’ll buy ribs that have it already removed.
- Inspect the rack of ribs for bone pieces/shards as they can sometimes be present from the butcher cutting the ribs.
- Cut the racks into manageable pieces that will fit into your slow cooker. I usually do halves or thirds depending on the size.
What Kind of Ribs to Buy for Crock Pot Ribs. I use pork baby back ribs (or back ribs). They’re the most tender and flavorful, side ribs also work however they have smaller white bones towards the end that I’m not a fan of (and they may need a little bit of extra time).
How to Cook Ribs in a Crock Pot
- Combine rub mix and massage into prepared ribs.
- Place onion, garlic and ribs in the slow cooker with a touch of water (or broth). Close the lid and let the crock pot work its magic.
- Once tender, brush the ribs with sauce (or just olive oil, salt and pepper if you’d prefer) and broil (or grill) for 3 to 5 minutes to get a little bit of char.
- Gently remove from the pan, cut ribs apart and serve!
How Long to Cook Ribs in a Crock Pot
Crock Pot Pork Ribs (I use pork baby back ribs) are easy to make as long as you cook them low and slow. We prefer the meat on our ribs to be fall off the bone however, if you’d like a little but more ‘chew’ to your ribs, reduce the time a little bit.
- Slow Cooker Ribs On Low will need to cook for about 8 hours
- Slow Cooker Ribs On High will need to cook for about 4 hours
Remember not to lift the lid and peek, this can increase the cooking time substantially.
Perfect Rib Side Dishes
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole – fully loaded with bacon and cheese!
- Loaded Cauliflower Salad – low carb potato salad style side
- The BEST Mashed Potatoes – great under ribs!
- Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes – crispy side dish
- Homemade Garlic Bread – of course!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs about 3 to 4 pounds
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons rib rub or homemade rib rub in the notes
BBQ Rib Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce of choice
Instructions
- If making homemade rub, combine all rub ingredients according to the recipe below.
- Remove silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub front and back of the ribs with spice mixture.
- Place onion, sliced garlic, water and ribs in a slow cooker.
- Cook ribs on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until fork tender.
- Preheat broiler. Combine ketchup, chili sauce and barbecue sauce.
- Brush ribs with sauce mixture and broil (or grill) 3-5 minutes or until charred.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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Has anyone tried this with boneless ribs? It sounds delicious and I would really like to try it. I searched through the comments but saw no mention of using boneless ribs. I am having my kids and grandchildren over for a meal. Unfortunately, my husband and grandchildren will not eat any type of meat with bones in it. Please tell me this will work with boneless or someone has tried it. Thank you so much.
I have not tried it with boneless ribs. Boneless ribs are often pork shoulder or pork butt and tend to do well with low and slow cooking as in this method so I do think it would work. I would recommend cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours. Let us know how it goes!
Would the recipe work with boneless ribs?
K, I have not tried it with boneless ribs. Boneless ribs are often pork shoulder or pork butt and tend to do well with low and slow cooking as in this method so I do think it would work. I would recommend cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours. Let us know how it goes!
Love this recipe. I have eaten it for years. I just ate pig feet for the first time and I want to try adapting this recipe to pig feet
It was ok, but spices made it taste funny. I wasn’t a fan of the flavor.
hi! planning to make tomorrow– will beef short ribs work too?
Hi Priscilla, I have never tried this recipe with short ribs but we do have a slow cooker short rib that would be perfect for those!