Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ ribs made easy with a simple homemade spice rub and barbecue sauce. Perfectly cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone meat, then finished with a quick grill or broil for a sticky, caramelized glaze. Ideal for an effortless, delicious meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Main
- 3–4 pounds pork ribs (membrane removed)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to create a flavorful dry rub for the ribs.
- Season the Ribs: Cut the ribs into sections if necessary for easier handling and fit in the slow cooker. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 4-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Arrange the ribs upright along the edges of the slow cooker, with the meaty side pressed against the sides, maximizing cooking surface and even heat distribution.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy ribs.
- Optional Finish with Grill or Broil: Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Brush them generously with barbecue sauce. Then, grill for 5 to 6 minutes or broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce becomes sticky and slightly caramelized. This step adds a wonderful smoky flavor and appealing texture but can be skipped if desired.
- Serve: Plate the ribs and serve them hot, ideal for a comforting and laid-back BBQ meal.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs helps the seasoning penetrate better and results in more tender ribs.
- The finishing step under the grill or broiler is optional but highly recommended for a caramelized glaze.
- You can use any favorite barbecue sauce for brushing or make your own for a customized flavor.
- Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the ribs upright for even cooking.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated and reheated gently to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
