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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs

This slow-cooker barbecue ribs recipe is an easy and delicious way to prepare tender barbecued ribs without the barbecue!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 4248 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker A large capacity slow cooker (6-quart or more) is ideal for 4 pounds of ribs.
  • 1 Shallow Baking Pan For browning the ribs in the oven before slow cooking.
  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl For preparing the barbecue sauce.
  • 1 Whisk or Spoon For combining sauce ingredients.
  • 1 Tongs For handling and flipping hot ribs.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 dash hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Season ribs with salt and black pepper; place in a shallow baking pan. Brown in the preheated oven for 15 minutes; flip. Brown 15 minutes more; drain fat. Transfer ribs to a slow cooker.
  • Combine ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Pour sauce over ribs; flip to coat.
  • Cover slow cooker. Cook on Low until ribs are tender, 6 to 8 hours.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider applying a dry rub to the ribs overnight before browning. After slow cooking, a quick finish under the broiler or on a hot grill for 5-10 minutes will caramelize the sauce and add a desirable crust. To deepen the sauce's complexity, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can be incorporated. Ensure ribs are patted dry before seasoning and browning for optimal crust development. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker to allow for even cooking. The browning step is crucial for building foundational flavor; don't skip it. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference for desired heat.