Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

When it comes to tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs, slow and steady wins the race. In this recipe, we’re going to show you how to make mouthwatering barbecue ribs right in your crockpot. With a few simple ingredients and a lot of patience, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone, finger-licking goodness without ever firing up the grill. Let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked perfection.

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (approximately 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off. This helps the ribs become more tender and allows the flavors to penetrate better.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dry rub.
2. Rub the dry rub mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. Make sure to press it into the meat for better adhesion.

Step 3: Arrange in the Crockpot

1. Roll up the seasoned ribs and place them in the crockpot. You may need to cut them in half to fit, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
2. Arrange the ribs vertically along the sides of the crockpot, with the meaty side facing the wall of the pot.

Step 4: Make the Barbecue Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs in the crockpot, ensuring that they are well-coated.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Set your crockpot to LOW and cook the ribs for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook them on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
2. The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.

Step 6: Finish on the Grill (Optional)

1. If you want that classic barbecue smokiness and a little caramelization on the grill, preheat your grill to medium-high.
2. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs from the crockpot to the grill.
3. Grill the ribs for a few minutes on each side, basting them with additional barbecue sauce to achieve a nice glaze and char.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them hot, drizzled with more barbecue sauce if desired.
2. Don’t forget the napkins – these fall-off-the-bone ribs are sure to be messy and delicious!

These Crockpot Barbecue Ribs are proof that you can achieve mouthwatering barbecue flavor without the need for a smoker or hours of tending to a grill. With just a little prep and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs that will satisfy your barbecue cravings any day of the year. Enjoy!