Crockpot BBQ Ribs
About These Crockpot BBQ Ribs
These Crockpot BBQ Ribs are the easiest, most foolproof way to get incredibly tender ribs without a smoker or grill. The ribs are sliced before cooking so they become tender faster, then simmer in root beer and a homemade sweet-tangy BBQ sauce. A quick broil at the end caramelizes everything and makes them irresistible.
Why You’ll Love It
Effortless: The slow cooker does all the work.
Fail-proof: Perfect for beginners or anyone who struggles with ribs.
Ultra tender: Cooking the ribs individually makes them fall-apart delicious.
Homemade BBQ sauce: Sweet, tangy, smoky, and fully customizable.
Crowd-pleasing: Great for weeknight dinners, parties, BBQs, or game day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ribs
– Baby back ribs
– Kosher salt
– Black pepper
– Root beer
For the BBQ Sauce
– Ketchup
– Brown sugar
– Apple cider vinegar
– Honey
– Molasses
– Worcestershire sauce
– Garlic powder
– Smoked paprika
– Salt & pepper
How to Make It
Start by removing the membrane from the ribs and slicing them into individual pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the crockpot with root beer and half of the homemade BBQ sauce. Cook on low for about 3–4 hours, checking for tenderness at the 3-hour mark. Meanwhile, simmer the remaining BBQ sauce until thickened. Once the ribs are tender, transfer them to a baking sheet, brush with more sauce, and broil briefly until caramelized and glossy.
Tips for Success
Slice ribs before cooking so they become tender faster.
Don’t skip removing the membrane — it makes a huge difference in texture.
Check early: Crockpots vary, so begin checking at 3 hours.
Broil at the end for restaurant-style caramelization.
Use root beer, cola, or Dr Pepper for extra flavor and sweetness.
For spicier sauce, add cayenne or chipotle powder.
For smokier flavor, add liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook them on high?
Yes, but low gives a better texture. If you're in a pinch, cook on high for 2–2.5 hours.
Can I use St. Louis–style ribs?
Yes — just increase the cooking time. They are thicker and will need closer to 5 hours on low.
Do I have to use root beer?
No. You can use cola, Dr Pepper, ginger ale, apple juice, or broth.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Cook completely, cool, refrigerate, then reheat and broil right before serving.
Why slice the ribs before cooking?
They become tender faster and absorb more sauce.
Does the BBQ sauce store well?
Yes — it keeps in the fridge for up to 10 days.
What to Serve With Crockpot BBQ Ribs
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Crockpot BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack of baby back ribs
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 cup rootbeer
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a butter knife to lift the membrane from one end of the rack, then grip it with a paper towel and peel it off.
- Slice the ribs between the bones into individual pieces. Season the ribs generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Place the sliced ribs into the crockpot, arranging them so they are evenly distributed.
- Pour half of the prepared BBQ sauce over the ribs and the cup of rootbeer. Toss to ensure they are well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Since the ribs are sliced, they will cook more quickly, so check for tenderness at the 3-hour mark.
- Once the ribs are tender and pulling away from the bone, remove them from the crockpot.
- Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with additional BBQ sauce, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes and then have the time of your LIFE!
Some Cooking Essentials:
Crockpot
Measuring Cups
Basting Brush
All Clad Spoons
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