Description
These foolproof slow cooker ribs are tender, juicy, and truly fall off the bone. Cooked low and slow over onions and apple juice, then finished under the broiler for sticky BBQ bark, this easy rib recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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3 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
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1 large white onion, sliced into thick rings
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1½–2 cups apple juice
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1½ cups barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Dry Rub
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon paprika
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon steak seasoning (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if needed. Pat dry with paper towels. -
Season
Mix all dry rub ingredients together. Rub generously over both sides of each rack of ribs. -
Layer the Crockpot
Place onion slices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in apple juice to just cover the onions. -
Add the Ribs
Stack the seasoned ribs on top of the onions, standing or slightly overlapping as needed. -
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the ribs are extremely tender and nearly falling off the bone. -
Sauce
Carefully remove ribs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Stir a little of the cooking liquid into the barbecue sauce, then brush generously over the ribs. -
Broil for Bark
Broil ribs for 5–8 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky BBQ bark. Watch closely to avoid burning. -
Serve
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
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Baby back ribs cook slightly faster than spare ribs.
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For extra flavor, refrigerate ribs overnight after slow cooking, then broil or grill before serving.
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Handle ribs gently—they will be very tender.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 6 HOURS
- Category: Dinner, PORK
- Method: SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: American, AMERICAN | BBQ