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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

When you're craving fall-off-the-bone tender ribs without the hassle of babysitting a grill, these slow cooker BBQ ribs are a game changer. The tangy, sweet-smoky sauce infuses every bite, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs beef back ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for serving
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Place the beef back ribs directly into the slow cooker without browning for a true dump-and-go experience.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ½ cup finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Pour the sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  4. Cover and cook the ribs on low for 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-6 hours) until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  5. Once cooked, serve the ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite accompaniments.

Notes

This slow cooker BBQ ribs recipe is a hassle-free way to enjoy tender, flavor-packed ribs that practically fall off the bone. The recipe relies on simple, pantry-worthy ingredients that meld into a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce during the long cooking process. Feel free to adjust the spices or experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to suit your taste. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated for an equally satisfying meal.