These crockpot pork ribs are so easy to make, are fall-off-the-fork tender, slow-cooked, and are so flavorful and delicious. BBQ pork ribs are always a delicious recipe that gets requested over and over again. Super easy and super delicious!
Low and slow is always the way to go when it comes to ribs, but that doesn’t always have to mean breaking out the smoker. In fact, you can make delicious, slow-cooked ribs right in your crockpot. I know because I do it all the time! I make these ribs for family dinners, backyard bashes, and potlucks all the time. They’re so easy to make, they always cook up wonderfully, and their flavor is absolutely banging, as the kids say. Banging? Do they still say that? I think they do.
Crockpot Pork Ribs
These crockpot pork ribs have all the hallmarks of a great rib recipe. They’re cooked low and slow until the meat falls off the bone. They’re absolutely full of flavor thanks to using St. Louis-style ribs. AND they’re slathered in a sweet and spicy homemade barbecue sauce that always hits the spot. Every bite is tender, juicy, sweet, and spicy. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! I’ve made these ribs for years, and I’ve never had to worry about leftovers. They’re always gone in a flash.
Crock Pot Barbecue Pork Ribs with Dr. Pepper
These ribs are so delicious, and part of that is owed to my secret ingredient – Dr. Pepper. Oh, yes. If you’ve never cooked with soda, you’re missing out. It adds a great sweetness, and the soda actually helps tenderize the meat even further. When you combine Dr. Pepper with the other ingredients, you get a classic sweet and spicy barbecue sauce that also has a little something extra. Your family and friends might not be able to put their fingers on it, but they’ll definitely taste the difference.
Tips and Variations
This is a super easy recipe, so there aren’t a lot of tips. It’s also super versatile which makes it fun to play around with. I have some great tips and variations here to help you get the most out of this recipe.
Tips
When placing your ribs in the crockpot, there’s no need to cut the ribs. Simply bend them as you place them in the crockpot so that the ends are pushed up along the side of the cooking vessel. It won’t affect how the ribs cook, and it will save you some extra hassle.
Variations
There are a few more variations to this recipe than there are tips. Of course, with one tip, it’s easy to have more variations. That’s the fun of this recipe, though. You can do a few different things to change it up so easily.
- Use Coke or Pepsi instead of Dr. Pepper for a slightly different flavor.
- Add onions, potatoes, and other vegetables for a full meal infused with great barbecue flavor.
- Use your favorite dry rub seasoning on the ribs before cooking them.
- Any of your favorite pork ribs will work – country-style ribs work especially well.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about these slow cooker ribs, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about ribs.
How long to cook ribs in a crockpot?
Cook them on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Should you remove the membrane from ribs?
Absolutely. The membrane is tough, chewy, and completely unappetizing. It doesn’t render the way other fat and cartilage does, and it produces a tough chew that doesn’t taste very good.
How do I remove the membrane from pork ribs?
- Slide a butter knife under the membrane and over the bone at one end of the rib rack.
- Lift and loosen the membrane until it tears.
- Grab the edge of the membrane with a paper towel and gently pull toward the other end of the rib rack.
- If the membrane tears along the way, repeat the above steps, working your way toward the other end of the rack until the membrane is completely removed.
What kind of ribs are best for crockpot pork ribs?
I like using St. Louis ribs, but any variety will work, including pork baby back ribs. Country style pork ribs are especially great in this recipe, even though they’re aren’t actually ribs.
Can you freeze slow cooked ribs?
You sure can. Let the ribs cool, then wrap them tightly in two layers of heavy-duty foil. Then, place them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Store the barbecue sauce in a separate container for up to 3 months, as well.
What to Serve with Crockpot Pork Ribs
The great thing about BBQ ribs is how well they go with so many side dishes. When thinking about sides for these ribs, think about all our favorite barbecue dishes.
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Broccoli and cheese
- Baked beans
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Baked potatoes
- Potato Salad
- French fries
- French fried sweet potatoes
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Pork Ribs
These ribs will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or an air-tight, freezer-safe container in the freezer. Be sure to wrap them in a double layer or foil before freezing.
To reheat the ribs, place them in the crockpot on low for 30 to 60 minutes or until warmed through.
Crockpot Pork Ribs Ingredients
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The majority of them are kitchen staples like spices. In fact, you just might end up shopping for just the ribs and the soda.
- St Louis Ribs – 3.5 pounds
- Mustard
- Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dr. Pepper
- Barbecue sauce
How to Make Crockpot Pork Ribs
Making these ribs is a snap. It only takes a few simple steps!
Step 1: Mix the Seasonings
Mix your seasonings in a small bowl.
Step 2: Coat the Ribs
Place the ribs on a large piece of parchment paper and pat dry with paper towels. Then, fully coat both sides of the ribs with mustard and then coat them with the seasonings.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ribs
Pour the Dr. Pepper into the crockpot, then add the rack of ribs and cook on high for 4 hours. Remove the ribs from the crockpot and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, brush with BBQ sauce, place in the oven and broil for 4 to 6 minutes. Enjoy!
Try These Delicious Crockpot Pork Ribs Today
These crock pot BBQ ribs are tender, delicious, and so easy to make. All it takes is a few minutes of prep and a few hours of slow cooking, and you’re all done! With a combination like this, you owe it to yourself to give them a try, especially if you’re a big barbecue lover. Try this recipe, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
More Crock Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice – A delicious chicken and rice meal that is so easy to make and is loaded with tender chicken, tender rice, green enchiladas sauce, diced green chilies and more. Such an easy dinner meal.
Crock Pot Chuck Roast – When it comes to easy and delicious meals, this crock pot chuck roast is hard to beat. With very little work, this inexpensive cut of beef tastes amazing and is fall off the fork tender.
Crock Pot Queso with Italian Sausage – This crock pot queso gives your favorite traditional queso a twist with the great flavors of Italian sausage. A delicious dip that is great for any gathering, party or appetizer.
And, here’s a delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe from Maria’s Mixing Bowl you might enjoy too.
Crockpot Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack St Louis Ribs – 3.5 pounds
- ¼ cup mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can Dr. Pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all your seasonings and mix together.
- Place ribs on a large piece of parchment paper and pat dry with paper towels.
- Fully coat both sides of ribs with mustard and then coat with seasoning.
- Pour Dr. Pepper into crockpot and add the ribs.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Remove from crockpot and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Brush barbecue sauce over the ribs.
- Turn on the broiler. Place ribs under the broiler for 4-7 minutes or until desired crispiness is obtained.
Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards.
