Crock Pot Ribs
User Reviews
4
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
302 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crock Pot Ribs
Description
This recipe for Crock Pot Ribs uses baby back ribs cut into manageable pieces and rubbed thoroughly with a mix of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley. They cook slowly in apple cider, which keeps them moist and infuses a mild sweetness, contrasting with the savory rub. The ribs cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until tender but still intact.
They then get moved to a baking sheet, brushed with barbecue sauce, and placed under the broiler to develop a thickened, caramelized coating. This step requires close attention to avoid burning due to the sugar content. The resulting ribs have a smoky, sweet, and tangy profile with tender meat and a slightly crisped exterior from broiling.
This cooking method suits ribs prepared in advance with minimal active time, allowing for hands-off slow cooking. Selecting favorite barbecue sauce varieties lets you tailor the flavor. Timing may vary depending on the slow cooker; ribs should be tender but not falling apart for best texture.
Ingredients
- 3 racks baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut each rack of ribs in half or thirds so that they fit easily in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Sprinkle the dry rub over each side of the ribs and use your hands to press it into the meat.
- Add the apple cider to the bottom of a slow cooker and place the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Cook, covered, on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- When ribs are very tender, but not quite falling apart, carefully remove them from the slow cooker to a large baking sheet. Brush with barbecue sauce.
- Place under the broiler until the sauce has thickened and begun to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye as the sugar in the sauce can burn quickly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use apple cider (drink), not apple cider vinegar, to maintain the right flavor and moisture levels during cooking.
- Replace apple cider with Dr. Pepper or Coca Cola for a different sweet base if desired.
- Choose your preferred barbecue sauce; Carolina BBQ works well, but any sauce can be used.
- Cooking times may vary by slow cooker model; ribs are done when very tender but not falling apart.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 302 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 302kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 1153mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 391mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 926IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 52mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4
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