If you love a dinner that practically cooks itself, then slow cooker ribs are for you!
When it comes to cuisine, barbecue ribs reign supreme. There’s joy in sinking your teeth into a succulent, flavorful rib coated in a sauce that delights your taste buds and lifts your spirits. Whether enjoyed at backyard gatherings or upscale barbecue eateries, ribs are a favorite nationwide.
I love foods that are an experience, and ribs are one of those. Bringing people together, whether at family events or friendly cook-offs in the community, ribs create moments of togetherness and enjoyment. And when it comes to cooking tender ribs, there is only one way: low and slow.
Ribs are cuts with plenty of tissue that require ample time to tenderize properly. When slowly cooked, the meat turns incredibly tender, almost sliding off the bone, while the flavors can blend and mature. The prolonged cooking duration ensures that all those seasonings seep deeply into the meat, resulting in a burst of taste in every mouthful. The outcomes are worth the patience. So, when hankering for some ribs, remember that good things take time and are always worth waiting for.
Are Slow Cooker Ribs Healthy?
You can enjoy some health benefits from slow cooker barbecue ribs when eaten in moderation. Ribs are packed with protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth. They also contain vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, and iron that support bodily functions such as immunity, energy production, and oxygen transportation. Also, pork ribs are a source of selenium, an antioxidant that may safeguard cells from harm. Adding a serving of barbecue pork ribs to a diet, along with fruits, veggies, and whole grains, can enhance the nutritional value of your meal.
Beef ribs vs. Pork ribs
This recipe uses pork ribs, but what about beef ribs? It depends on your preference. Pork ribs usually have smaller bones and more fat compared to beef ribs. The extra fat in pork ribs makes them juicy and tender, often giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pork ribs also tend to be more flavorful. They absorb marinades and spices exceptionally well.
On the other hand, beef ribs are famous for their meaty bones and less fat. While they may be leaner than pork ribs, they sometimes lack the flavor that pork ribs offer. For this recipe, you can certainly use beef instead of pork. However, pork ribs guarantee tenderness and flavor in the slow cooker.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Remove the membrane, pat dry, and apply rub.
Layer
Place ribs in a slow cooker, and coat with BBQ sauce.
Cook
Slow cook on low until tender, optionally broil for finish.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Place your leftover barbecue ribs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.
Place barbecue ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to reheat them. Heat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and warm the ribs for 15 to 20 minutes. To maintain the ribs’ tenderness, you can cover them with foil as they reheat. You can also warm the ribs in the slow cooker on low for about two hours to reheat them.
If you prefer spicy ribs, you can easily make that happen by adding some extra spices. Besides the paprika, garlic, and onion, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, cumin, or red pepper flakes. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce or throw a chopped jalapeno in the slow cooker when cooking the ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Barbecue ribs are an easy main dish to complement. Nearly every side dish works well with them. Try mashed potatoes or a hot baked potato with your ribs. I enjoy a nice low-carb broccoli salad or cucumber salad with mine. Other favorites include honey garlic noodles or zucchini noodle pasta salad. It helpful to serve some extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who like to dip their rib meat into extra sauce.
Slow Cooker Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs about 4 pounds total
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
-
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
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Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub.
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Apply the rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
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Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
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Cook on low for 6 hours until the ribs are tender and the meat easily separates from the bone.
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Optional: For a caramelized finish, broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Nutrition
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