Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

Once you make ribs in the crock pot, you won’t want to cook them any other way! Crock Pot BBQ Ribs cook low and slow all day for fall off the bone tender, juicy ribs and they couldn’t be easier.

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When I take that first bite of BBQ ribs made in the crock pot I am surprised every single time. They are so good, I am telling you! Fall off the bone tender, juicy, saucy and packed with BBQ flavor. Everything you want in ribs.

The best part is that they could not be easier. Five minutes of prep, set your crock pot and wait for dinner. The waiting is the hardest part.

These St. Louis style ribs start with spiced dry rub and then are topped with smoky BBQ sauce (I love Sweet Baby Ray’s, but use your favorite). Pop them in the crock pot, set it and in 7-8 hours you’ll have the best tasting ribs ever!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Ribs

• Fall-off-the-bone tender – Cooking the ribs low and slow in the crock pot makes them incredibly juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
• Easy prep with simple ingredients – Just season the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekends, or summer cookouts.
• No grill required – You can enjoy delicious BBQ ribs any time of year without standing outside over a smoker or grill.
• Family-friendly recipe – Sweet, smoky BBQ flavor makes these ribs a crowd favorite for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for make-ahead meals – The ribs can be cooked ahead of time and reheated before serving, making them great for parties, game day, holidays, or meal prep.
• The broiling step adds amazing flavor – A quick trip under the broiler caramelizes the BBQ sauce and gives the ribs that sticky, restaurant-style finish everyone loves.
• Budget-friendly comfort food – Slow cooking is a great way to turn affordable cuts of meat into a tender, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

How To Remove Silver Skin

Removing the silver skin (the tough membrane on the bone side of the ribs) is essential for tender ribs. It keeps the ribs from being tough and chewy.

You’ll Need:

• A butter knife or a dull knife
• Paper towels for grip

How to:

1. Locate the Silver Skin
   • Flip the rack over so the bone side is facing up.
   • Look for a thin, white, slightly shiny and silver membrane covering the bones.
2. Loosen a Corner
   • Slide a butter knife (or the handle of a spoon) under the membrane at one end of the rack, near a bone.
   • Wiggle the knife gently to separate the membrane from the ribs.
3. Grip and Peel
   • Once you have a small flap lifted, grab it with a paper towel for better grip.
   • Slowly and firmly pull the membrane away from the ribs in one motion. It should peel off in a large sheet.

How To Make It

Prep the Ribs

• Cut the rack into halves or thirds to ensure they fit around the sides of the crock pot.
• Pat the ribs dry on both sides with paper towels.

Season and Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix the dry rub seasonings together, then evenly press them onto both sides of the ribs.
• Brush half of the BBQ sauce evenly over both sides, reserving the rest for later.

Slow Cook the Ribs

• Arrange the ribs in the crock pot, standing them along the sides and bottom, bone-side facing the pot. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other.

• Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender.

Optional Step: Broil for Caramelization

• Preheat the oven broiler.
• Carefully transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush additional BBQ sauce from the bottle or the crock pot sauce over the tops.

• Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the sauce caramelizes.

Serve and Enjoy

• Slice the ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

FAQ’s

What type of ribs work best in the slow cooker?

St. Louis style ribs work beautifully because they stay tender and flavorful during slow cooking, but baby back ribs or spare ribs also work well.

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Do I need to remove the silver skin from the ribs?

Yes! Removing the silver skin (the thin membrane on the back of the ribs) helps make the ribs more tender and allows the seasoning to soak into the meat better.

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Should ribs be cooked on low or high in the crock pot?

Cooking ribs on LOW gives the best texture and tenderness. Most ribs are ready in about 6–7 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

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Can I stack ribs in the slow cooker?

It’s best to stand the ribs along the sides of the crock pot rather than stacking them flat. This helps them cook more evenly and keeps the seasoning and sauce distributed better.

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Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?

No extra liquid is usually needed because the ribs release plenty of juices while cooking. The BBQ sauce helps keep everything moist and flavorful.

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Why finish the ribs under the broiler?

Broiling caramelizes the BBQ sauce and creates that sticky, slightly crispy BBQ texture similar to grilled ribs. It only takes a few minutes but adds a huge boost of flavor.

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Can I make crock pot ribs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the ribs a day ahead, refrigerate them, then reheat and broil with extra BBQ sauce before serving.

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How do I store leftover ribs?

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Can you freeze cooked BBQ ribs?

Yes! Let the ribs cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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What should I serve with BBQ ribs?

BBQ ribs pair perfectly with classic side dishes like potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, coleslaw, pasta salad, or crispy potato wedges.

What to Serve With Ribs

• Crispy Potato Wedges
• Chili Lime Cotija Corn on the Cob
• Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Potato Salad
• Broccoli Pasta Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Watermelon Salsa

Video How To Make Crock Pot BBQ Ribs