Ohhh yes 😌 slow-cooked BBQ ribs are pure comfort. These come out fall-off-the-bone tender with minimal effort.
Slow-Cooked Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (use a knife + paper towel).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. - Slow Cook
Place ribs in a slow cooker, cut to fit if needed.
Pour broth and vinegar around (not directly over) the ribs.
Cover and cook:- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
until very tender.
- Sauce & Finish
Carefully remove ribs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Brush generously with barbecue sauce and sprinkle with brown sugar if using. - Caramelize
Broil in the oven 3–5 minutes (or grill 5–8 minutes) until sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Serving Ideas
- Coleslaw 🥬
- Corn on the cob 🌽
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
Tips & Variations
- For smoky flavor, add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
- Use a dry rub overnight for deeper flavor.
- Want spicy? Mix hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.
If you’d like an oven-only version, no-sauce dry ribs, or beef ribs, I can hook you up 🔥
