Savor the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Crockpot Barbecue Ribs. This easy, hands-off recipe transforms simple ingredients into a succulent meal that will impress family and friends. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these ribs are cooked low and slow in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender. Serve them with your favorite sides for a memorable feast!
Ingredients:
- For the Ribs:
- 2 to 3 pounds of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- For Serving:
- Additional barbecue sauce for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off gently.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Make the Sauce:
- In another bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well mixed.
- Crockpot Setup:
- Place a layer of ribs in the bottom of the crockpot. If the ribs are too long, you can cut them into smaller sections to fit.
- Pour half of the barbecue sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Add the remaining ribs on top and pour the rest of the sauce over them.
- Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Finishing Touch:
- If desired, for a caramelized finish, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush additional barbecue sauce on top.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Slice the ribs between the bones, serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley.