We usually like to focus on grilling, but when it comes to ribs, the crock pot is a great option. This is a simple recipe that takes just a few minutes of work before the meal and then it cooks on its own for the rest of the day. The ribs are coated with a rub before they go into the slow cooker and then cooked so that they are fall off the bone tender. When the ribs are finished cooking in the crock pot they are brushed with sauce and then broiled for a few minutes so that they get a little caramelized and crispy. This gives them a delicious flavor and makes them taste like they came straight off the grill.
This crock pot version of barbecue ribs is perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day or even an easy potluck dinner. You can prepare the dry rub the night before to save time, then simply assemble and cook the ribs all day. You could also make a double batch and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so that you can easily make this easy rib recipe when guests come over or when you want to have a quick dinner at home.
If you don’t have a crock pot, you can also make these ribs on the grill or in your oven. We prefer the crock pot method because it is easier to monitor how well the ribs are cooking. If you are baking the ribs in the oven, make sure to pre-bake them before you put them into the oven so that they don’t overcook and become tough.
Before you add the ribs to the slow cooker, pat them down and then rub in the dry rub mixture on both sides. Patting the ribs down and then applying the rub is key to making sure that the spices adhere to the ribs as much as possible. The rubbing step also helps to give the ribs a better texture and it helps to prevent them from becoming overly rubbery when they are finished cooking.
The ribs are cooked in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours until they are fall off the bone tender. If you don’t have a slow cooker you can also bake the ribs in the oven at 400 degrees for an hour or two until they are tender.
Once the ribs are done cooking, they should be brushed with a generous amount of bbq sauce and then broild for a few minutes to give them a delicious caramelization. You can serve these crock pot ribs right away or cover them with foil and refrigerate them until you are ready to reheat.
These crock pot ribs are so easy to make, and they are so yummy! The meat is so tender and the bbq sauce is so delicious. They are the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or game day.
