This slow cooker barbecue ribs recipe is cooked low and slow for 8 hours with only 10 minutes of prep time. They are fall-off-the-bone tender and super easy to make any day of the week!

If you love barbecue, then you’ve got to try my Bourbon Barbecue Sauce and my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches!

Overhead shot of slow cooker barbecue ribs on a white plate.

Email this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

    The Best Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs Recipe

    These pork ribs are super easy to make, tender and loaded with flavor. This is an awesome way to prepare ribs without turning the oven on. The ribs cook low and slow in the crockpot for 8 hours!

    The ribs start off with an easy dry rub: Brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and chipotle chili pepper. The chipotle chili pepper adds a nice smokiness and hint of spice. You can find it at the grocery store with the rest of the spices.

    Once the ribs are rubbed down with the spice rub they are placed in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce. Use your favorite barbecue sauce or my Bourbon Barbecue Sauce! I slather the pork ribs with the barbecue sauce. Its the perfect combiantion of sweet, tangy with a hint of spice.

    Barbecue sauce in a saucepan on a wooden board with whiskey in the background.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Baby Back Pork Ribs: Baby back pork ribs are the classic kind of ribs. They will become fall-apart tender after cooking low and slow in the crockpot!
    • Brown Sugar: To help the ribs caramelize! This will also balance out the smoky, bold flavors.
    • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: A combination of garlic powder and onion powder will lend a deep savory flavor.
    • Paprika: Paprika will add a bold flavor!
    • Chipotle Chili Pepper: For a bit of spice.
    • Bourbon Barbecue Sauce: Or your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce!

    How To Make These Ribs

    1. Prep the Ribs: Rinse the ribs and pat try with paper towels.
    2. Make the Dry Rub: Add brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and chipotle chili pepper to a small bowl and stir to combine.
    3. Season the Ribs: Sprinkle the dry rub onto both sides of the ribs.
    4. Place into the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with some nonstick cooking spray. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour your barbecue sauce on top.
    5. Cook: Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone!
    Saucepan of homemade barbecue sauce on a wooden background.

    Tips for Success

    • Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to try different barbecue sauces or even make your own. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky, the sauce can make a big difference in the final flavor!
    • Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. A well-seasoned rib will have layers of flavor. Make sure to rub the spices into the meat thoroughly before cooking!
    • Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the ribs on a low setting for a longer period of time ensures they become tender and juicy.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve these slow cooker BBQ ribs with all of your favorite summertime side dishes! Here are some of my personal favorites:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make BBQ ribs ahead of time?

    Yes, you can cook the ribs in the slow cooker ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, brush with barbecue sauce and finish under the broiler.

    How do I store leftover slow cooker barbecue ribs?

    Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding extra barbecue sauce if needed.

    Can I freeze ribs for later?

    Yes, cooked ribs can be frozen for later! Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!

    Slow cooker BBQ ribs on a white plate with a wooden spoon coated in barbecue sauce next to them.

    More Barbecue Recipes To Try

    Recipe

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs cooked low and slow for 8 hours! They are fall off the bone tender and super easy to make!
    Author: Kelley
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
    Serves 6 people
    Rate Print

    Email this Recipe

    Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • Rinse the ribs and pat try with paper towels.
      • Add brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and chipotle chili pepper to a small bowl and stir to combine.
      • Sprinkle the dry rub onto both sides of the ribs.
      • Spray the slow cooker with some nonstick cooking spray.
      • Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour your barbecue sauce on top.
      • Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone.
      • Serve immediately and enjoy!

      Notes

      Original recipe from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish my recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post. Thank you!

      Nutrition Information

      Serving: 1gCalories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 27gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 136mgPotassium: 379mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 650IUCalcium: 47mgIron: 1.3mg

      Did You Make This?

      I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.

      Leave a Review Follow Chef Savvy