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Crockpot BBQ Ribs with Smoky Sauce

Elina James
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Ribs
  • 2–3 lbs (900–1,300 g) pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • For the Smoky BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Prepare ribs: Remove the silver skin/membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Mix sauce: In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Place ribs in crockpot: Coil or layer ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the smoky BBQ sauce over the ribs, coating evenly.
  • Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until ribs are tender and meat easily pulls away from the bone.
  • Optional broil: For a caramelized finish, preheat oven broiler. Place ribs on a baking sheet and brush with extra BBQ sauce. Broil for 3–5 minutes until sauce is slightly charred and sticky.
  • Serve: Slice ribs between bones and serve hot with additional sauce if desired.