Slow Cooker Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
716 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, International
Slow Cooker Ribs
Description
This Slow Cooker Ribs recipe features a full rack of pork ribs lightly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. After pre-baking at a high temperature to set the seasoning and lightly caramelize the surface, the ribs are placed in a slow cooker surrounded with barbecue sauce. Cooking for 4 to 6 hours on low heat gently tenderizes the meat while infusing it with smoky sauce flavors, yet maintains a firm texture that allows the ribs to be sliced or pulled off the bone with ease. The recipe’s approach balances initial dry heat with slow, moist cooking for depth of flavor.
The ribs are served warm with extra barbecue sauce on top for additional moisture and taste. This dish can comfortably serve one rack per meal, suitable for a comforting dinner or a weekend gathering.
The notes suggest using baby back ribs but provide flexibility with other rib cuts and the option to double or triple for larger groups. It also recommends using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and allows substitutions in barbecue sauce, including gluten-free choices.
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork ribs about 2 lbs
- 32 ounces BBQ sauce *
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Season the ribs generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Rub garlic powder, onion powder and brown sugar onto both sides of the ribs.
- Pre-Bake: Line a large baking sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper. Bake the ribs on prepared pan for 15 minutes. Flip the ribs to the other side and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Slow Cook: (I like to use a slow cooker liner, for easy clean-up). Place the rack of ribs around the inside of the slow cooker, meat side facing out. Alternately, cut the ribs into a few sections and place them in the slow cooker. Smother them in some barbecue sauce, reserving some sauce for serving later. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, until tender but not falling off the bone.
- Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce slathered on top.
Notes
- Baby back ribs are preferred, but spareribs, country-style, or boneless ribs can be used.
- This recipe can be scaled up by doubling or tripling the rib quantity to fit your slow cooker size.
- Use a slow cooker liner to simplify cleaning.
- Homemade BBQ sauce or store-bought brands like Stubb's or Sweet Baby Ray's can be used.
- For gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 716 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 716kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 94g | 31% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 2460mg | 103% |
| Potassium | 891mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 76g | 152% |
| Vitamin A | 539IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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