BBQ Pork Ribs Slow Cooker: Easy & Delicious Recipe

BBQ Pork Ribs Slow Cooker: Craving fall-off-the-bone tender ribs without spending hours tending a smoker? You’ve landed in the right place! Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, smoky-sweet ribs, the meat practically melting in your mouth. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality you can achieve with your trusty slow cooker.

While the art of barbecuing ribs has deep roots in American culinary tradition, often involving open flames and meticulous temperature control, this slow cooker method offers a modern, convenient twist. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it replicates the low-and-slow cooking process, breaking down tough connective tissues and infusing the pork with incredible flavor. It’s a hands-off approach that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

People adore BBQ Pork Ribs Slow Cooker recipes because they offer the perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things while your ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tender pork, and that satisfying “fall-off-the-bone” texture is simply irresistible. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Get ready to impress your family and friends with the easiest, most delicious ribs they’ve ever tasted!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork ribs, cut into sections
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water or beef broth

Preparing the Ribs and Sauce:

1. First, let’s get those ribs ready. Pat the pork ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better later.
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Browning adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip this step! Set the browned ribs aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the chopped green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste. Stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture.
6. Now, it’s time to add the rest of the sauce ingredients. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
7. Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
8. Pour in the water or beef broth. This will help thin out the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick during the slow cooking process.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Slow Cooking the Ribs:

1. Transfer the ribs to your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible. If not, you can stack them, but try to keep them as even as possible.
2. Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. If you have a lot of ribs, you might need to gently toss them in the sauce to ensure everything is covered.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The ribs are done when they are very tender and easily pull away from the bone. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check them periodically.
4. Important: Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.

Finishing Touches and Serving:

1. Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker using tongs. Be gentle, as they will be very tender and might fall apart easily.
2. If you want to thicken the sauce, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while simmering to thicken it more quickly.
3. For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the ribs with additional BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until they are slightly caramelized. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
4. Serve the BBQ pork ribs hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans. Don’t forget plenty of napkins!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your ribs with a kick, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Sweeten it up: For sweeter ribs, add a little more brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
• Add some smoke: If you want a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Use different cuts of ribs: This recipe works well with spare ribs, baby back ribs, or St. Louis-style ribs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the ribs.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cook the ribs in the slow cooker and then refrigerate them. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.
• Grilling Option: After slow cooking, you can finish the ribs on the grill for a smoky char. Grill over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce.
• Instant Pot Variation: For a faster cooking method, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Brown the ribs as directed, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Coleslaw
• Creamy Potato Salad
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Baked Beans
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Cornbread
• Green Salad
• French Fries
• Onion Rings

Storage Instructions:

Leftover BBQ pork ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might not be as crispy. For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 600-800
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These BBQ Pork Ribs Slow Cooker ribs are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and that smoky, tangy barbecue sauce is simply irresistible. This isn’t just another slow cooker recipe; it’s a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for more.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Seriously, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. You just need to prep the ribs, throw them in with the sauce, and let the magic happen. Secondly, the flavor is out of this world. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods. And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or just a family dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit.

But the best part? The versatility! While these ribs are amazing as is, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic BBQ Feast: Serve these ribs with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans. A slice of cornbread would also be a fantastic addition.
* Rib Sandwiches: Shred the ribs and pile them high on toasted buns with extra barbecue sauce and a scoop of coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
* Rib Tacos: Use the shredded rib meat as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce instead of a mild one.
* Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also add a nice tanginess.
* Asian-Inspired Ribs: Use an Asian-inspired barbecue sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a unique and flavorful twist.
* Dry Rub Ribs: For a different flavor profile, try using a dry rub instead of barbecue sauce. Combine spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, and rub it all over the ribs before slow cooking. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side.

I truly believe that this recipe for BBQ Pork Ribs Slow Cooker is a winner. It’s simple, flavorful, and versatile, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the best ribs of your life!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below letting me know how they turned out. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite sides to serve with them? Did your family and friends love them as much as mine do? Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your cooking adventures. Happy cooking! And remember, the key to amazing ribs is patience and a good slow cooker! Enjoy!