We barbecue at our house at least 3 times a week during the summer (winter, fall, and spring too). Grilling is our cooking method of choice 90% of the time but these slow cooker ribs are better than anything we can make on the grill with a fraction of the effort. I love a good slow cooker recipe with wow factor. I use these for special occasions or when we’re having friends over.
These slow cooker ribs are what I will be making for Father’s Day this year and possibly every year for the rest of eternity. My husband usually mans the barbecue, but I want him to be able to put his feet up on Father’s Day. I can do the prep work earlier in the day when it’s convenient and then serve barbecue (with a side of pineapple margaritas) without actually lighting up the grill. I prefer to play the whole day away on special occasions and pamper those who need pampering. You’re welcome in advance to all the husbands in the world who get to enjoy these this year. You’re welcome to all of the moms too – for the easiest and most delicious slow cooker ribs EVER!
Super Easy Fall Off The Bone Slow Cooker Ribs
Super Easy Fall Off The Bone Slow Cooker Ribs
Grilling is our method of choice 90% of the time, but these slow cooker ribs are better than anything we can make on the grill with a fraction of the effort.
- 4 lbs baby back pork ribs
Spice Rub
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (adjust for the spice level you want)
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup canned crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp spice rub
- 1 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 3 clove garlic
- 1 tsp cayenne (adjust for the spice level you want)
- Preheat oven to 400. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Cut ribs into portions of about 3-4 ribs each. Rinse, pat dry, and place on prepared cookie sheet.
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Add all spice rub ingredients in a medium bowl and toss. Reserve 1 tbsp of spice rub to use in the barbecue sauce.
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Sprinkle spice rub over both sides and edges of ribs and rub it in with your fingers. Place ribs in oven and bake 15 minutes. Turn ribs over and bake an additional 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile combine all barbecue sauce ingredients in a medium sauce pan and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Set aside 1 cup barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling(cover and refrigerate). Pour about 1 cup sauce into slow cooker, enough to coat the bottom. Place a layer of ribs in cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and repeat until all ribs are in the cooker and coated heavily with remaining sauce. Toss as necessary to totally coat ribs.
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Cook in slow cooker on low 5-6 hours, or until they are fall off the bone tender. Rotate 2 or 3 times during cooking to ensure even baking.
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Serve with reserved sauce for dipping.
If you have the time and energy place these on a cookie sheet after they’re done. Broil in the oven, or barbecue at medium heat for a couple minutes, just long enough to caramelize the sauce. Then serve with additional sauce for dipping. MMMMM!
Serve these slow cooker ribs with some homemade no fail biscuits and some fresh peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for dessert and you are sure to have a happy family. Thanks for the technique idea Calrsbad Cravings!
