Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Made with minimal effort, these ribs cook low and slow in your crockpot, infusing every bite with savory goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or summer gatherings, this foolproof recipe delivers big barbecue flavor without the grill.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

pork spare ribs (cut into sections)
your favorite barbecue sauce
brown sugar
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika
salt
black pepper
apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
liquid smoke (optional for extra BBQ flavor)

directions

Pat ribs dry and remove the silver skin from the back if needed.

Rub both sides of the ribs with a mixture of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Layer the ribs in the slow cooker, bone side down. Drizzle with barbecue sauce and add a splash of apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke if using.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3.5-4 hours, until ribs are tender and easily pull apart.

Optional: Transfer cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra barbecue sauce, and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize.

Serve warm with extra sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3.5-4 hours (high)
Optional broiling time: 2-3 minutes
Total time: 6-8.5 hours

Variations

Use baby back ribs for a leaner option.
Add cayenne or chili powder for heat.
Use a homemade BBQ sauce to control sweetness and spice.
Try Asian-style sauce for a teriyaki twist.
Include sliced onions or pineapple at the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil or in the microwave.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I stack the ribs in the slow cooker?
Yes, layer them evenly and rotate halfway if needed.

Do I need to add liquid?
The ribs release moisture, but a little vinegar or sauce helps with flavor.

Can I use frozen ribs?
Thaw first for best results and even cooking.

Should I sear the ribs first?
Not necessary, but it can add extra depth of flavor.

Can I cook them overnight?
Yes, just set on low and they’ll be ready in the morning.

Can I use boneless ribs?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Why broil at the end?
To caramelize the sauce and add a sticky, crispy finish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use the high setting the whole time?
Yes, but low setting yields more tender results.

Do I need to flip the ribs while cooking?
Not required, but you can once midway for even sauce coverage.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, delivering incredible barbecue flavor with almost no work. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy, satisfying dinner, these ribs are a guaranteed hit. Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender—this recipe is a must-try for any rib lover.

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