BBQ Slow Cook Ribs Recipe for the Crock Pot

Step 1: Step 1 – Prep the ribs

Slide a dull butter knife under the thin membrane (silver skin) on the bone side of the ribs. Grip it with a paper towel and pull it clean off. Cut the rack into 3 to 4 smaller sections to fit your slow cooker.

Step 2: Step 2 – Apply the dry rub

In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub the spice mixture thoroughly on all sides of the ribs.

Step 3: Step 3 – Arrange in the crockpot

Pour apple cider vinegar and 0.5 cup of BBQ sauce into the cooker base. Stand the rib sections upright along the outer edge of the slow cooker with the meat facing the wall, or stack them bone-side down.

Step 4: Step 4 – Slow cook on Low

Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours (or High for 4 to 5 hours). The ribs are done when the meat pulls back about 0.5 inch from the bone ends and tenderly bends when lifted with tongs.

Step 5: Step 5 – Broil for sticky crust

Gently transfer the tender ribs meat-side up onto a foil-lined baking sheet using large tongs. Slather the top generously with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Broil in your oven 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and lightly chars.