Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Barbecue ribs hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially in American cuisine. From backyard cookouts to family gatherings, these tender, flavorful cuts of meat have become synonymous with comfort food and culinary tradition. While grilling is often the go-to method for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char, the slow cooker offers a convenient alternative that delivers equally satisfying results. Enter the Smoky Sweet Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs—an easy-to-follow recipe that allows you to enjoy all the rich, smoky flavors of traditional BBQ without the hassle of monitoring a grill.

Discover a delicious twist on traditional barbecue with this Smoky Sweet Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs recipe. Perfect for busy nights, this method transforms tender baby back ribs into a flavorful delight with minimal effort. The spice rub blends smoky paprika and brown sugar to create a mouthwatering taste, while a homemade BBQ sauce adds the finishing touch. These ribs are ideal for family gatherings or casual weekends, promising tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness that will impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs (approximately 4 lbs total)

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade to your liking)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Start by removing the tough membrane from the back of the ribs. This will allow the spices to penetrate better. Pat the ribs dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear when cooking.

Make the Spice Rub: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they are well blended.

Season the Ribs: Generously apply the spice mixture over the ribs, massaging it into both sides to ensure every nook is coated. Allow the seasoned ribs to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature, enabling the flavors to deepen.

Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth, combining the tangy and sweet flavors.

Layer in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker in a single layer (you can cut them in half if they won’t fit). Pour half of the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the ribs, keeping the remaining sauce for glazing afterwards.

Cook the Ribs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. They should be tender and easily pull away from the bone when done.

Glaze the Ribs: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, preheat your oven's broiler. Carefully move the cooked ribs from the slow cooker onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Brush the reserved BBQ sauce generously over the top of the ribs.

Broil for Finish: Place the ribs under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The BBQ sauce should caramelize nicely and form a beautiful glaze during this time.

Serve: Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Cut between the bones to separate the ribs. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6-8 hours | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the ribs on a large platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and consider adding pickles or coleslaw as colorful accompaniments for a complete BBQ feast.