Easy Slow Cooker Ribs – Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender

Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

This recipe is one I’ve made many times, and it consistently turns out tender, flavorful, and hassle-free.

If you are looking for fall-off-the-bone, tender ribs, this is the recipe for you! These slow cooker ribs were cooked perfectly in the crockpot with the right amount of flavor. The ribs were massive so I did end up breaking them so they fit in the crockpot easier.

Fall-off-the-bone tender slow cooker ribs with simple ingredients for maximum flavor. A perfect, easy weeknight dinner!

Slow cooker ribs served with broccoli and garlic bread – tender, juicy, and cooked low and slow for the perfect dinner.

• Total cook and prep time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes, this recipe is made with family-friendly ingredients
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Serving size: 3–4
• Serving suggestions: Serve with broccoli, mashed potatoes, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Why This Meal Is Perfect In the Crockpot

I love making crockpot recipes because I have been so busy during the week with Jace's basketball, that I am wanting meals that are easy and convenient. This recipe was a set-and-go recipe. The crockpot works great because I can add all of my ingredients, add the seasonings, and let it cook all day, low and slow.

Why These Ribs Are A Family Favorite

It still may be over 100 degrees here, but I will do anything to make an easy crockpot meal. Our family of three enjoyed it, including our teen. The fact that he can come home from basketball and dinner is ready makes this a convenient weekday meal that the whole family loves. Jace even wanted seconds! He loves ribs.

Love Slow Cooker Recipes? You May Also Like These Recipes

Tender and Flavorful Pot Roast
Shredded Ranch Chicken
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Easy Beef Barbacoa

Customization

I try and eat healthier when and where I can, so I did substitute ketchup for a no added sugar version. 

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

If you want crispy ribs, once you take them out of the crockpot, you can add them to a broiler for 2-3 minutes - you will want to keep a close eye on them because they can burn quickly. 

If you want to cook these on high instead of low, you can cook for 4 hours on high, but keep an eye on them. Once they start falling apart on their own, you can turn the heat down to low or warm.

To prevent ribs from getting too soft, remove them carefully using tongs or a wide spatula since they tend to fall apart when fully tender.

For this recipe, I did remove the membrane, but it is optional since the long cook time will soften it naturally.

Everything You Need to Make This - Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ribs

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• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• *1 tsp celery seed
• Ribs, cut into sections
• *1 1/2 cups ketchup (no sugar added)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Note: These ribs release a lot of natural juices as they cook. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, simmer the reserved sauce an additional 3–5 minutes or add 1–2 tablespoons of ketchup or brown sugar to help it reduce.

Simple ingredients for easy slow cooker ribs – ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings ready to mix.

Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)

✓ Step #1: Add onion powder to crockpot – Place onion powder in the bottom of a crockpot and add ribs.

✓ Step #2: Mix seasonings – In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, and celery seed.

Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed – the perfect spice blend for flavorful, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

✓ Step #3: Rub seasonings over ribs – Rub over both sides of ribs.

✓ Step #4: Mix sauce – In another bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and spread 1/2 of the mix over the ribs. Reserve remaining sauce.

✓ Step #5: Cook – Cook on low for about 7 hours.

✓ Step #6: Transfer ribs – Transfer ribs to a pan.

Note: For future reference, I will be putting the ribs in a pan instead of on a baking sheet. The liquid unfortunately poured off the sides and with a pan, it will allow the liquid to stay in and around the ribs.

✓ Step #7: Add sauce to a pot – Add reserved sauce and any extra sauce in the crockpot to a small pot.

✓ Step #8: Cook and broil ribs – Over medium heat on the stove, cook 5–7 minutes. Pour over ribs and broil ribs 2–3 minutes. Ribs should look perfectly tender and have a little char at this point. If you like them super crispy, broil for a few additional minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.

Slow cooker ribs fresh out of the oven – tender, caramelized, and perfectly sauced for that backyard BBQ taste.

How to Store 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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