If you’re looking for a slow cooker barbecue rib recipe that will delight your family, look no further! These ribs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights, and they’re so delicious that even your pickiest eater will be asking for more.

My husband has always been a bit of a rib connoisseur, and his standards are high. He loves ribs, but only if they’re truly exceptional. I’ve struggled to perfect the art of barbecue ribs in the past. But let me tell you, those days are over! These ribs turned out so wonderfully that my whole family, including my picky 5-year-old, devoured every last bite.

I used to try various slow cooker barbecue rib recipes, but they never quite lived up to expectations. I often ended up with watery sauce and disappointing ribs. I would vow never to make them again, only to find myself trying again later. After a long break from attempting them, I decided to try my own approach, and the results were outstanding!

What I love about this recipe is that you can enjoy these ribs year-round. Whether it’s the middle of winter or the height of summer, you can savor this delicious meal. In the summer, you can even finish them on the grill to keep your kitchen cool and add a smoky flavor.

Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Ribs

Pork Spare Ribs. The main ingredient. Pork spare ribs are flavorful and become tender when cooked slowly. They provide a hearty and satisfying base for your dish.

Salt. Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and helps in tenderizing it. Salt also helps to draw out moisture, which contributes to the flavor profile of the ribs.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper. Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. Freshly ground pepper provides a more vibrant and aromatic taste compared to pre-ground pepper.

Garlic Powder. Infuses the ribs with a rich, savory flavor. Garlic powder is convenient and offers a consistent garlic taste without the need for fresh garlic.

Small Onion. Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the ribs. The onion cooks down and mellows, contributing to the overall flavor of the dish.

Chicken Broth. Provides a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the ribs moist and tender as they cook. It also adds a savory depth to the dish.

BBQ Sauce. Coats the ribs with a rich, tangy, and sweet glaze. BBQ sauce caramelizes during the final cooking stage, giving the ribs their signature sticky and flavorful finish.

How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Ribs

Follow these detailed steps to achieve tender, flavorful ribs that will impress your family and friends:

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   • Cut and Season: Start by cutting the pork spare ribs into smaller sections, about 3-4 ribs each. This allows for even cooking and makes the ribs easier to handle. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder evenly over all sides of the ribs. This seasoning blend enhances the natural flavor of the meat and adds a savory depth.
2. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
   • Layering: Place the seasoned rib sections into the slow cooker. You can layer them slightly if necessary, but try to arrange them so that they’re in a single layer as much as possible. This ensures that they cook evenly.
   • Add Aromatics and Liquid: Pour the chicken broth over the ribs. The broth will keep the ribs moist and infuse them with additional flavor as they cook. Add the quartered onion on top of the ribs. The onion will release its natural sweetness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Cook the Ribs:
   • Slow Cooking: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful as it absorbs the spices and broth. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to retain the heat and moisture.
4. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat Oven: After the cooking time is up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving a caramelized, sticky glaze on the ribs.
   • Transfer and Arrange: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and discard the onion. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the ribs to a buttered sheet pan. This helps prevent sticking and adds a touch of richness to the finished dish.
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
   • Glazing: Pour your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the ribs. The sauce will coat the ribs, providing a tangy, sweet, and savory glaze that will caramelize as it bakes. Make sure the sauce covers all sides of the ribs for a uniform flavor.
6. Bake the Ribs:
   • Oven Cooking: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This final step allows the BBQ sauce to thicken and become bubbly, creating a deliciously sticky coating on the ribs. Keep an eye on them to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Final Touches: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes them easier to cut. Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

This method of preparing ribs combines the convenience of the slow cooker with the irresistible caramelization of the oven, resulting in tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for any occasion.

Storing, Refrigerating, and Freezing Slow Cooker Ribs

• Refrigerating: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh, make sure they’re well-covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the ribs before freezing for easier portioning.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours or until warm. Add a little extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist if needed.

If you give this slow cooker ribs recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you in the comments below! Your feedback is always appreciated. Don’t forget to leave a five-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe card and tag me on Instagram @therusticelk to show off your tasty creation. Enjoy your meal!