Fall-Off-The-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Nothing beats the tenderness and flavor of slow-cooked ribs. When prepared in a slow cooker, ribs become incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or game night, this slow cooker ribs recipe will be a guaranteed hit. 

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making the best slow-cooker ribs, along with answers to frequently asked questions to help you perfect your dish.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ribs?

Many people believe that great ribs must be smoked or grilled, but the slow cooker offers a foolproof method for achieving maximum tenderness with minimal effort. Cooking ribs low and slow allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the meat remains moist and juicy. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to prepare side dishes or simply relax.

Ingredients

To make these delicious slow-cooked ribs, you will need:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is an essential step to ensure the ribs are tender. Use a knife to loosen a corner of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.

2. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

4. Rub this dry spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.

Step 2: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

1. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help keep the ribs moist during cooking.

2. Stand the ribs upright in the slow cooker, curving them around the edges of the pot. If necessary, cut the racks in half to fit them in comfortably.

3. Drizzle the liquid smoke over the ribs (if using) for added depth of flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Cooking on low for a longer time yields the most tender results.

2. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil

1. Preheat your oven broiler to high.

2. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

3. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the ribs.

4. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting.

2. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy your fall-off-the-bone ribs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen ribs in the slow cooker?

Yes, but it is recommended to thaw the ribs beforehand for even cooking. If you must cook from frozen, allow extra cooking time and ensure the ribs reach a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F.

2. Do I need to sear the ribs before slow cooking?

Searing is optional, but it can add a nice depth of flavor. However, since the broiling step achieves a similar effect, searing isn't necessary for this recipe.

3. What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

This depends on personal preference! Some prefer a sweet sauce, while others like a tangy or smoky flavor. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

5. Can I make these ribs in advance?

Yes! You can cook the ribs in the slow cooker, refrigerate them, and then broil them with sauce just before serving.

6. What sides go well with slow cooker ribs?

Some delicious sides include coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or grilled vegetables.

7. Can I cook the ribs on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow (6-8 hours) results in more tender ribs.

8. What if I don’t have liquid smoke?

You can skip it, but for a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the rub or using a smoky barbecue sauce.

9. How do I make these ribs spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper in the rub, add chili powder, or use a spicy barbecue sauce for extra heat.

10. Can I use this method for beef ribs?

Absolutely! Beef ribs will need slightly more cooking time (about 8-10 hours on low) since they are generally thicker and tougher than pork ribs.

Conclusion

Slow cooker ribs are a game-changer for anyone who loves barbecue but doesn’t want to fuss over a grill or smoker. This simple yet delicious recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this method guarantees success every time. So grab your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and enjoy some of the best ribs you’ve ever had!