These Slow Cooker Ribs couldn’t be easier to make. The ribs are cooked low and slow, then broiled in the oven so they’re tender, flavorful, and always juicy! If you’re looking for an extra easy way to make and enjoy ribs then you’re going to love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

There’s nothing like classic smoked or grilled ribs but if you don’t have a smoker or a grill then these slow cooker ribs may be the next best thing. I’ve made ribs all types of ways and honestly, this slow cooker version gives the traditional version a run for their money.

The ribs are covered in a flavorful dry rub, slow cooked in the slow cooker for a few hours, and then finished under the broiler to get that delicious caramelized exterior. They come out slightly charred on the outside and fall off the bone tender – just how ribs are supposed to be.

Recipe Ingredients

Pork Ribs: you’ll need a 2 to 2 ½ pound rack of pork ribs. I personally prefer baby back ribs, but go with your favorite. St. Louis style will also work!

Apple Cider Vinegar: this adds help to tenderize the meat

Chicken Broth: I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth, but beef or veggie broth will also work for this recipe.

Aromatics: we’re using a combination of yellow onion, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves to add some flavor to the ribs while they cook.

Barbecue Sauce: any store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce you like best will work for this recipe!

Brown Sugar: this helps sweeten the spice rub, giving the ribs incredible flavor.

Seasonings: this dry rub for the rib uses uses a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, pepper, dried oregano, paprika, celery seed, and cayenne pepper to create incredibly flavorful ribs.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Ribs

Step One: Prepare the ribs by removing any membrane from the back and cutting them in half. Then, season the ribs on both sides with all the spice rub. Use your fingertips to press the rub into the meat so that it sticks!

Step Two: Next, pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker. Then, add the smashed garlic, sliced onion, and bay leaf. Place the ribs on top of the onions, layering them on top of each other meat side up.

Step Three: Cover the slow cooker, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The ribs will be tender, and a sharp knife will easily pierce the meat. However, it won’t completely fall off the bone.

Step Four: Remove the cooked ribs from the slow cooker, and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Set your oven to high broil.

Step Five: Liberally brush the ribs with your barbecue sauce until they’re completely covered. Next, place the ribs in the oven. Broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. Be careful not to burn!

Step Six: Remove your ribs from the oven, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve these with a side hearty side for a complete meal. Here are a few great options:

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Transfer any leftover ribs to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
Freeze: Tightly wrap leftovers in aluminum foil, and transfer them to a sealable bag or a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen ribs in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in the oven at 350 degrees. I recommend adding more barbecue sauce and wrapping them in foil to prevent them from drying out!

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

I hope you give this Slow Cooker Ribs recipe a try! It’s an easy protein option that’s great for meal prep. If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

Slow Cooker Ribs

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Author: Ashlea Carver
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 – 2 1/2 pound rack of pork ribs
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 dried bay leaf
1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce

Spice Rub

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Instructions

Prep the ribs: Remove any membrane from the back of the ribs and cut them in half. Then season the ribs on both sides with all of the spice rub. Using your fingertips to press the rub into the ribs so that it sticks.
Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the base of the slow cooker and then add the smashed garlic, sliced onion, and bay leaf. Place the ribs on top of the onions, on top of each other, meat side up.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours or until the ribs are tender and a sharp knife can easily pierce the meat. The meat should be tender but not completely falling off the bone.
Once the ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Set your oven to high broil.
Liberally brush the ribs with barbecue sauce until completely covered. Then, place the ribs in the oven and broil on high for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.