Meet the most fall-off-the-bone tender, no oven, I-think-I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-bib Crockpot Ribs. Do yourself and all the rib lovers in your life a huge favor and make a slab of ribs. Baby backs, spare ribs, country…this recipe works with any of your favorite cuts.
Cooking pork ribs in a crock pot produces amazingly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with flavor The slow cooker allows the ribs to become incredibly moist and succulent With the right cook times and a few simple tips, you can enjoy restaurant-quality ribs from the comfort of home.
Crock pots are ideal for cooking pork ribs. The low steady heat tenderizes the meat and collagen without drying it out. Here is everything you need to know about achieving crock pot rib perfection.
Choosing the Right Rib Cut
The most common types of pork ribs to cook in a crock pot include
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Baby back ribs – From upper ribcage, lean and tender, best for crockpots
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Spare ribs – From belly, fattier with more connective tissue
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Country-style ribs – Meatier like spare ribs but cut into rectangles
For the most fork-tender results in a crock pot, opt for baby back ribs. Their leanness makes them ideal for absorbing flavors from liquids and sauces.
Trimming and Seasoning the Ribs
Proper prep is key before cooking ribs:
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Carefully remove the thin membrane from the bone side of the rack. This can make ribs tough if left on.
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Trim off any excess hard fat for more even cooking.
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Generously season both sides of the ribs. A salty, sweet or spicy dry rub adds lots of flavor.
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Let ribs sit for 30 minutes after seasoning so it can penetrate the meat.
Determining Cook Time
Crock pot cook times can vary slightly depending on cut and exact size:
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Baby back ribs – Low 7-9 hours, High 3-5 hours
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Spare ribs – Low 8-10 hours, High 4-6 hours
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Country-style – Low 6-8 hours, High 3-4 hours
Check tenderness starting at the low end of times to avoid overcooking. When done, ribs should be very tender and pulling away from the bones.
Liquid for Moisture
Adding liquid to the crock pot is key for pork ribs to keep them from drying out:
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Use broth, beer, juice or water in the bottom of the crock.
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1 cup of liquid is usually sufficient.
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Can also place ribs directly on sauce for flavor and moisture.
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Do not add too much that ribs are fully submerged or they may turn out soggy.
Flavor Boosting Tips
To make ribs even more delicious:
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Apply a flavorful dry rub generously over both sides
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Add spices and aromatics like garlic, onions, chili peppers
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Use barbecue sauce, cola, ginger ale or apple juice for cooking liquid
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Toss in sliced onions, chili peppers, whole garlic cloves
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During last hour, brush with barbecue sauce to caramelize
Doneness Cues
It can be tricky determining when ribs are done in a crock pot. Watch for these signs:
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Meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones
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Bend test shows ribs flex slightly but don’t break
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Meat tears easily when tugged with two forks
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Bone pulls cleanly out of meat when twisted
When exhibiting these cues, ribs should be fork tender and ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your crock pot ribs with classic BBQ sides:
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Corn on the cob – Gets caramelized edges from drippings
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Coleslaw – Crunchy texture and tangy flavor
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Mac and cheese – Comforting, cheesy and creamy
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Baked beans – Sweet, smoky and saucy
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Cornbread – Soaks up sauce perfectly
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Collard greens – Nutty, slightly bitter flavor
Storing Leftovers
Like most crock pot creations, cooked ribs store well:
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Allow ribs to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
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Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of liquid.
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Ribs also freeze well up to 3 months for longer storage.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pork ribs can sometimes give home cooks issues in the crock pot:
Problem: Ribs are tough and chewy
Solution: Cook for longer at lower temp. Wrap ribs in foil if needed.
Problem: Ribs are too mushy or falling off bone
Solution: Don’t overcook. Follow suggested cook times.
Problem: Ribs are bland or have no flavor
Solution: Use more seasoning and add sauce earlier next time.
Problem: Ribs end up too greasy
Solution: Trim excess fat before cooking. Blot with paper towel after.
Crock Pot Rib Tips
- Place ribs meaty side up to prevent charring
- Remove bones after cooking for boneless ribs
- Finish under broiler to get caramelized, crispy exterior
- Toss cooked ribs with thick barbecue sauce
- Use leftover bones and drippings for soup stock
Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Ribs at Home
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious, tender pork ribs easily in a crock pot:
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Prep baby back ribs by removing membrane and trimming fat
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Generously season ribs all over before cooking
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Cook low 7-9 hours or until ribs are completely tender
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Add liquid to crock pot for extra moisture and flavor
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Finish with barbecue sauce to desired consistency
With minimal hands-on time, let the crockpot do the work for fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs.
How Do You Know When Ribs are Done in Slow Cooker?
- Thermometer. At 145 degrees F, ribs are safe to eat, but for the juiciest meat, they should be at 190 degrees F or higher. An instant read thermometer can tell you the exact temperature.
- Color. The middle of the meat should be white, and there shouldn’t be any pink juices.
- Bones. Check to see if the meat on your ribs has pulled away from the bone. It will show some bone at the thin end of the ribs when it’s done.
- Flexibility. Your ribs should be flexible but not falling apart. When you think the ribs are done, use tongs to pick them up from one end. The ribs should bend towards the ground without falling apart.
- Tenderness. Gently insert a toothpick between two of the bones. If it’s easy to stick a toothpick in, the ribs are
- To Store. If you have extra ribs, you can keep them in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
- If you want to freeze crockpot ribs, you can do so for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
- To Reheat. Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and heat the ribs through. You can also heat it up on LOW heat in a large saucepan with a lid or in the microwave in a container with a lid until it’s hot all the way through. Before you heat the ribs, I suggest adding some water and/or barbecue sauce to keep them from drying out.
How to Make Crockpot Ribs
- Pork Ribs. This recipe for ribs in the crock pot will work for any kind of pork ribs. Little back ribs were what we used, but country-style ribs or spare ribs could also be used. I haven’t tried beef or boneless ribs in the crock pot yet, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work, so feel free to give them a try. Don’t use the pork shoulder or butt for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. ).
- Ketchup. A key ingredient in our BBQ sauce. Though I don’t like it very much (honest), it makes this thicker and sweeter, so there’s no need for brown sugar.
- Molasses. Another important part of our sweet, sticky sauce (and this crockpot Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe as well).
- Apple Cider Vinegar. To add tangy flavor and acidity to balance the sauce.
- Hot Sauce. For a little bit of heat.
- Spices. Adding spices is the last thing that makes our BBQ sauce better. Chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all used in this recipe.
Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs – Fall Off The Bone BBQ Ribs Recipe
FAQ
How many hours does it take to cook pork ribs?
Can you cook ribs too long in a crockpot?
Should ribs be covered in liquid in slow cooker?
Is it better to cook pork ribs fast or slow?