Cooking tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs in a crock pot is easy and rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you can make delicious ribs at home that rival your favorite barbecue joint.
Introduction
Crock pot BBQ ribs are a crowd-pleasing classic. By cooking the ribs low and slow in a crock pot, they become incredibly tender. The meat falls right off the bone!
Cooking ribs in a crock pot allows the flavor to really permeate into the meat. The ribs soak up the seasoning and barbecue sauce as they cook. This infuses them with mouthwatering flavor.
BBQ ribs are perfect for laidback weekends and summer gatherings. Keep reading to learn how to cook up the most tender, finger-licking ribs you’ve ever had using your crock pot.
Ingredients Needed
- 3-4 lbs pork ribs or beef ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Ribs
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat better. Use a knife to loosen the membrane, then pull it off with your fingers.
- Cut the ribs into sections so they fit in your crock pot. Cut between each bone.
- Generously season both sides of the ribs with the dry rub. Use smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Ribs
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the crock pot.
- Place the ribs in the crock pot meat-side down. Stack them up if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, until the meat is very tender.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the crock pot. Brush with more barbecue sauce if desired.
Finish the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the cooked ribs on the baking sheet meat-side up. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove ribs from the oven and brush again with barbecue sauce. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ribs
- Choose meaty ribs with lots of marbling for the most flavor and tenderness. Go for pork spare ribs or beef short ribs.
- Cut ribs into sections so they cook evenly. Leave at least 2 inches of meat on the bones.
- Cook low and slow! Low heat for a long time makes the ribs tender. Avoid cooking on high.
- Brush with sauce at the end to set the glaze. Bake or grill ribs after slow cooking to caramelize the sauce.
- Let ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ribs work best?
Pork spare ribs or beef short ribs work great. They have good marbling and a decent amount of meat.
How long should you cook ribs in a crockpot?
Cook ribs for 7-8 hours on low heat. This extended cooking time helps break down the collagen into tender, pull-apart meat.
Should ribs be cooked in liquid?
Yes, use a small amount of water, broth, or barbecue sauce in the bottom to help steam and tenderize the ribs as they cook.
Do you need to add liquid throughout cooking?
No additional liquid is needed, but you can brush the ribs with more barbecue sauce a few times if desired.
What temperature should crockpot ribs be cooked at?
Always use the low setting, which is typically around 200°F. The low, steady heat tenderizes the ribs without drying them out.
Can you cook ribs from frozen in a crock pot?
Yes, frozen ribs can go straight into the crockpot! Add 1-2 hours onto the cooking time. The low heat will gently thaw and cook the ribs.
Conclusion
Crock pot barbecue ribs are an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal. By using the low heat of a crockpot, you can infuse the meat with finger-licking flavor and make them fall-off-the-bone tender. Brush with sauce at the end to finish. Enjoy classic homemade ribs any night of the week with this simple recipe.