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A close-up of tender slow cooker bbq ribs coated in a rich, caramelized sauce after being finished under the broiler.

Crockpot BBQ Ribs (Fall-Off-The-Bone Easy!)

The easiest Crockpot BBQ Ribs you'll ever make! This simple slow cooker recipe delivers incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a delicious caramelized BBQ sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs & Rub
  • 4 lbs pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, membrane removed
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, adjust to taste
For Cooking & Finishing
  • 1/2 cup water or broth
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Small mixing bowl

Instructions
 

  1. Prepare the ribs: If the membrane is still on the back of the ribs, slide a knife under it to loosen, then use a paper towel to get a firm grip and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Season the ribs: Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat on all sides.
  4. Arrange in slow cooker: Stand the racks of ribs upright along the sides of the slow cooker (you can cut the racks in half to fit if needed). Pour the water or broth into the bottom of the crockpot, being careful not to wash the rub off the ribs.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender.
  6. Sauce and broil: Preheat your oven's broiler. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs.
  7. Caramelize: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbly and beginning to caramelize. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Tip 1: Removing the silverskin is key for tender ribs, so don't skip this step!
Tip 2: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the crockpot along with the water.
Tip 3: Everyone's slow cooker heats differently. Your ribs are done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone.