15 minute prep Fall-Off-the-Bone Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs that everyone will go crazy for and are wonderfully easy to make!
These Slow Cooker Ribs are SUPER easy, flavorful, and so touchdown tender you will be making them again and again! They have tons of rave reviews claiming these slow cooker ribs are better than any restaurant with the best homemade barbecue sauce ever!
SLOW COOKER RIBS VIDEO
I keep a running bucket list of different types of food/recipes I want to make from Nashville Hot Chicken – check – to Beef Brisket – check – to Perfect Pot Roast – check to these Slow Cooker Ribs. After making these Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, I am kicking myself for not rushing them to the top of the list sooner! As in years and years sooner so I could have been chowing down on their juicy, tender, barbecue smothered bliss this whole time. At least I made them three times in one week to partially make up for it. So please don’t lose years and year of deliciousness and make these super easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs ASAP!
If you have never made ribs, or never made slow cooker ribs, prepare for your mind to be blown with this easy method for moist, literally falling of the bone BBQ ribs, every single time. Our minds were blow. And our stomachs rejoiced.
Literally fall apart tender.
How to make Slow Cooker Ribs
Aside from the fall-off-the-bone tender factor, these baby back ribs are heads above the rest because they are slathered in the most incredible rub and barbecue sauce to create layers of restaurant (or better than restaurant says Patrick) flavor.
- The Spice Rub is an intoxicating blend of paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The rub recipe makes quite a bit but you are going to want to use all of the blend for perfect flavor packed ribs. Not too spicy, not too sweet, but just right – or so said my parents who dropped by and polished off the leftovers.
- After you spice rub your ribs, you bake them for 15 minutes on each side to seal in the juices and render some of the fat. Meanwhile, whisk up your tantalizing barbecue sauce that is sweet and tangy and just right which is a simple mixture of ketchup, molasses, brown sugar and my secret ingredient, blackberry preserves which balances out the acidity with subtle sweetness.
- UPDATE: Many readers have since commented that this is their favorite barbecue sauce ever – sow whatever you do, don’t skip this barbecue sauce – it truly makes these ribs spectacular! I love it so much I have also used a version of it in my Crockpot BBQ Chicken and my BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches – you don’ want to miss it!
- Cook the ribs in the slow cooker on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours or until they are fall apart tender. And they will be fall apart tender.
- Slather your crock pot ribs in more of our luscious, tantalizing homemade barbecue sauce.
- EAT!
- Serve these Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs with any or all of these sides (and see list below) Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese, Moist Sweet Cornbread, Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Hawaiian Baked Beans and Outback’s Wedge Salad so even if your team doesn’t win on Sunday, you can still have game winning Fall-Off-the-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs feast that everyone will cheer for! And repeatedly beg for.
What should I Serve with Slow Cooker Ribs?
- Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese
- Award Winning Sweet Moist Cornbread
- Kicked Up Classy Creamy Potato Salad
- Company Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon
- Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries
- Cheesy Pull Apart Pesto Bread
- Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
- Greek Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Feta Pesto
- Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Ranch
Want to try these Fall Off the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce?
Pin them to your Crockpot, Beef or Entertaining Board to SAVE for later!
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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 300 minutes |
| Servings | -8 servings |
- 4 pounds baby back pork ribs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reserved Spice Rub from above
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional but recommended) *
Ingredients
Spice Rub
Barbecue Sauce
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- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Line a baking sheet with sides with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cut ribs into 6 sections then rinse and pat dry.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Spice Rub ingredients. Remove 1 tablespoon Spice Rub to use in your barbecue sauce. Rub all remaining Spice Rub evenly all over the meat then place ribs on prepared baking sheet. Bake ribs for 15 minutes ON EACH SIDE (30 minutes total) to sear meat.
- Meanwhile, add all of the Barbecue Sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan and gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce and refrigerate to use after ribs are cooked.
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray then add a thin layer of remaining barbecue sauce, followed by ribs. Layer sauce then ribs until complete, tossing to coat as needed to ensure ribs are evenly coated in barbecue sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-9 hours OR cook until ribs are fall apart tender. Rotate ribs once during cooking so they cook evenly. Cooking time may vary between slow cookers.
- When ribs are tender, remove from slow cooker and brush with some Reserved Barbecue Sauce if desired or use sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
*Liquid smoke can be found next to the barbecue sauce in most grocery stores. It adds a wonderfully smoky flavor.
**I like to dip each rib piece in the spice mix, front and back, then rub the mix all over with my hands.
**It might like seem like a lot of seasoning, but you should use all of the Spice Rub for 4 pounds of meat for optimal flavor.
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Jacqueline says
Ohhhh boyyyy these are delicious! When I opened my eyes this morning the first thing I thought about was making these ribs today. I made them a few months ago & have been thinking of them ever since. The bbq sauce is incredible. My husband is a bbq snob & he was blown away. I have never had a bad recipe from your site, it is my go-to recipe “book.” My other recent favorite is the beef barbacoa….such deep smoky flavors. You really have a gift for this, please keep doing what you do. You’re my “best food friend” in my head. stay well.
Jen says
Hi Jacqueline, I’m so sorry for the delay! I was on a cruise without internet for over a week and I am all sorts of behind but thank you so much for your awesome comment! I’m honored you are loving my recipes and have never had a “bad one!” It sounds like we’re foodie kindred spirits loving similar flavor profiles and both dreaming of food 🙂 I’m thrilled you and your husband both loved these ribs and even impressed the bbq snob! Thanks for making my day! xo your best food friend
Jacqueline says
Hi Best Foodie Friend….me again! Yes…we definitely share the same flavor profiles! Hope you had a wonderful cruise. Quick question…I will be making these sat for a party. I will prob need to do 2 batches. Any suggestions for making a day ahead & reheating? Do you think if I make a day ahead & reheat in either the oven or on the grill in an aluminum pan covered on indirect heat they will survive & taste just as good? Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thank you
Jen says
Hi Jacqueline! I think these can definitely be reheated successfully! I would use the oven and start by slathering the ribs in BBQ sauce and completely enclosing them in foil and placing on a baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees F until warmed through. I’m not sure exactly how long this will take, but I would check them at 30 minutes and go from there, then broil and slather with more sauce. Enjoy and have a fabulous party!
Pam says
Jen, I Never leave comments, but I had to this time! These ribs are AMAZING! My husband and son both raved about them! Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe! I just pinned numerous recipes from your site and can’t wait to try them. Your directions are so easy to follow and your pictures are breathtaking!
I read your personal story and I wish you the best of health and happiness.
Jen says
Hi Pam, thank you so much for taking the time to comment, it is much appreciated! I’m thrilled both you and your husband loved these ribs! I hope you love everything else from my site equally as much! Thank you so much for reading my story and for the well wishes – I am grateful to be alive and sharing what I love! God bless you and yours!
Mary says
Can I put them in the fridge after searing until the next day?
Jen says
Yes!
Carly says
These are my favorite ribs ever! They are just as good as any restaurant…maybe even better. This will be a recipe that will stay in my family and will be passed down to my children!
Jen says
That is awesome Carly, thank you so much! I am honored they will be a new family tradition!
Stephanie says
I have a question about these ribs, which look amazing. My slow cooker is now an Insta Pot, and I am new to using it. How should I set the Ista Pot for these ribs? I apologize in advance if this an obvious question.
Jen says
Hi Stephanie, I’m sorry I am late to the instant pot game! I actually just got one so I can’t advise how to use it yet. Sorry!
L says
I can’t find seedless blackberry jam anywhere! What do you suggest?
Jen says
I have had reader comment that they have used seedless raspberry jam successfully so I would try that. I hope that works for you!
kathy says
Wow, made these today for my hubby and son, FANTASTIC!! This recipe is a keeper for sure!!
Jen says
Awesome, thanks so much Kathy!
Tw says
Hi there I’d love to use my instapot for this it has to work as well or better I’m thinking, any suggestions on how????
Jen says
Unfortunate I am not yet an instant pot expert – working on it!
Nicole Williams says
Easily the best ribs I’ve ever made! I made them in the oven….400 for 1/2 hr, then 325 with sauce and covered until done, flipping a few times… since my crockpot was busy making baked potatoes. My new go to recipe!
Jen says
Thank you so much Nicole and thanks for the oven directions too!
Jennifer Brown says
I have loved bbq ribs for a very long time, but have never been able to make them at home as delicious as in restaurants…. until this recipe. I have made these ribs twice in one week, that’s how good these are. From the ease of cooking them in the crockpot to the amazing rub/ bbq sauce combo, these are a must try for anyone. I already have plans on making another batch to feed my grandparents in-law. No need to worry about dentures preventing them from eating their favorite food anymore. These don’t fall off the bone, they MELT off the bone! Also, this is the first time I have ever left a comment about a Pinterest recipe that I have tried out and I try a TON of recipes out. These are no joke THAT good!
Jen says
Hi Jennifer, I’m catching up on old comments, so please forgive the delay! I’m honored you love this crockpot ribs recipe enough to make them twice in one week and to leave a comment! I hope you continue to love the ribs and find many new favorites here!
Natalie R says
W-O-W these were INCREDIBLE!! I may have cooked them a little too long (5 hours on high) since the bones fell out as I lifted them from the slow cooker (not necessarily a bad thing), so I’ll stick to 4 hours max next time. Best part is my BBQ/smoked meat snob boyfriend was obsessed with the BBQ sauce – so much so that he now requests I make it anytime we BBQ! Thank you for the amazing recipe 🙂
Jen says
You are so welcome Natalie! Sounds like they were literally “fall off the bone tender” :). I’m thrilled your BBQ snob boyfriend loved them as well – especially the BBQ sauce!
Susan says
Question… can you use country ribs? and will they turn out as good? I don’t have much experience with ribs. 🙂
Jen says
Hi Susan, I have honestly only experimented with baby back ribs because they are the most popular with my readers. I am sure country style ribs would also work but you will want to cook them on low for even longer as they are meatier and thicker than baby back ribs. They are done when they are fall apart tender. Hope this helps!
NickiDE says
Made these for Labor Day picnic. You are so right – everyone went crazy for them. The oven baking made a nice crust so they didn’t just taste like “boiled” ribs. I had a little sauce left and added that to canned baked beans – yummy!!
Jen says
YAY! Thanks Nicki, I’m thrilled they were a hit and the BBQ Sauce sounds perfect for beans – yum! Happy Labor Day!
Waffle says
These may be my favorite ribs of all time. We also use this exact recipe and method to make pulled pork, by butterflying a cheap pork roast and following all of the instructions. It comes out amazing every time. I can’t count how many times I’ve recommended this recipe.
Hands down the best. 1000%.
Jen says
Wahoo! Thank you so much for your awesome comment! I am thrilled you love these ribs so much and have made pot roast with the same method as well – yum, I’ll have to try that soon!