Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

Did you know that slow-cooked ribs can be up to 40% more tender than those cooked quickly? Using a crockpot for barbecue ribs not only saves you time but also creates a delicious meal with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can achieve mouthwatering results. Want to know the secret to achieving that perfect fall-off-the-bone texture and flavor? Keep going to find out how to make these ribs a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you want to enjoy delicious ribs without spending all day in the kitchen, this crockpot barbecue ribs recipe is perfect for you. It takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, and then your crockpot does all the work while you focus on other things. The slow cooking makes the ribs tender and fall-off-the-bone good, thanks to the slow cooking method. You can use different types of ribs and customize the flavor with your favorite barbecue sauce. Plus, the broiler step gives them a nice caramelized finish. Cleanup is a breeze if you use a crockpot liner, and you can adjust the cooking time based on your schedule. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, making dinner easy and delicious!

History

Barbecue ribs have a rich history that goes beyond the simple enjoyment of a tasty meal. Contrary to popular belief, they didn’t originate in the antebellum South. Instead, they became a 20th-century innovation, thanks to advancements in meatpacking and refrigeration. This technology transformed spare ribs into a popular product.

The unique flavor of ribs that we recognize today stems from a blend of African and Native American cooking techniques, particularly smoking and seasoning meats. By the 1930s, you could find barbecued ribs at stands and restaurants across the country. Merging of African and Indigenous cooking traditions contributed significantly to the development of barbecue as a cultural phenomenon in America.

After WWII, they became a backyard favorite. The St. Louis-style rib cut emerged in the 1940s, setting the stage for the delicious dish we cherish and love today.

Recipe

Cooking ribs in a crockpot is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy tender, flavorful barbecue without the hassle of traditional grilling or smoking. The slow cooking process allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in mouthwatering ribs that practically fall off the bone. With a few simple preparations and adjustments, you can create a delightful meal that will impress family and friends. One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients, primarily bottled BBQ sauce, making it incredibly accessible for home cooks.

To achieve the best results, make certain to remove any silver membrane from the back of the ribs to guarantee maximum tenderness. Creating a delicious spice rub is key to enhancing the flavor of the ribs, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Once seasoned, cooking the ribs in the crockpot allows them to absorb all the flavors of the rub and any barbecue sauce you choose to add.

Ingredients

2 racks of ribs (baby back or St. Louis-style)
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Barbecue sauce (for basting and serving)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F if you choose to bake the ribs for an initial sear. If not, skip this step.
If present, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs and set aside.
In a bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder to create the dry rub.
Apply the spice rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, ensuring thorough coverage.
For added flavor, you may choose to bake the ribs for 15 minutes on each side before placing them in the crockpot. This step is optional.
Stand the ribs upright in the crockpot with the meaty side against the inside wall.
Pour barbecue sauce over the ribs, either before or during the cooking process, as desired.
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4-5 hours or until the ribs are tender. Rotate them occasionally to guarantee even cooking.
Once cooked, brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce and broil them in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce, or grill them for added smoky flavor.
Serve the ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

For the best results, always check the tenderness of the ribs before serving, as cooking times can vary based on the size and type of ribs used. Feel free to experiment with different spices in the rub or sauces to tailor the dish to your taste.

If you end up cooking the ribs too early, simply wrap them in foil and keep them warm in the oven at 150°F until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious, slow-cooked barbecue ribs!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying delicious crockpot barbecue ribs can be a rewarding experience, especially when you consider how simple the process is.

By using a crockpot, you can achieve a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture that makes every bite enjoyable. The best part is that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Just prepare the ribs, add your favorite barbecue sauce, and let the crockpot do the work. This method cooking on low is perfect for busy days, allowing you to set it and forget it. When dinner time arrives, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to serve.

Whether for a family gathering or a casual dinner, these ribs will impress everyone. Try this recipe, and you’ll see how easy and delicious crockpot ribs can be!

FAQ

Have questions about making crockpot barbecue ribs? First, it’s crucial to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F for pre-baking. Season your ribs well and bake them for 15 minutes on each side to seal in the juices. When you transfer them to the slow cooker, place the meaty side facing out and cover them in BBQ sauce. Make sure to cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, ensuring they’re tender. If you have frozen ribs, defrost them first. For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner. Finally, always check that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. Hands-off cooking allows you to enjoy delicious ribs with extra sauce on the side!