Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite American-style BBQ sauce)
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼–½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (for heat)

Instructions

1. Prep the ribs
   Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (important for tenderness).
   Cut the ribs into sections so they fit inside the crockpot.
2. Make the sauce
   In a bowl, mix:
   • BBQ sauce
   • Ketchup
   • Brown sugar
   • Vinegar
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • Smoked paprika
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Salt & pepper
   • Chili powder (if using)
3. Assemble in the crockpot
   Place ribs inside the crockpot (stand them up if needed).
   Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs.
4. Slow cook
   • LOW: 7–8 hours (best, super tender)
   • HIGH: 3–4 hours
5. Optional finishing step (highly recommended)
   Carefully remove ribs and place on a baking sheet.
   Brush with extra BBQ sauce.
   Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until caramelized and slightly crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Mashed potatoes or baked beans
• Pickles on the side

Tips

• Baby back ribs = leaner & softer
• Spare ribs = meatier & richer
• Don’t skip removing the membrane—huge difference!