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Crockpot BBQ Ribs

Crockpot BBQ Ribs with tender meat, rich smoky flavors, and a sticky, tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. The spice rub and homemade sauce combine for a classic BBQ taste.
prep time15 minutes
cook time6 hours
resting or cooling time30 minutes
total time6 hours 45 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Morton's kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 racks pork spareribs, trimmed St. Louis style and each rack cut in half

Homemade BBQ Sauce

  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 5 tablespoons apple juice
  • 2 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions

  • Combine paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, onion powder, and granulated garlic. Reserve 1 tbsp of the spice rub.
  • Pat the ribs dry and coat with the remaining spice rub.
  • Arrange ribs vertically in the slow cooker, thick ends down, meaty side against the wall. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
  • Whisk together ketchup, apple juice, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, pepper, liquid smoke, and reserved spice rub in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low, and simmer until thickened, about 10 mins.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil, set a wire rack on top. Transfer cooked ribs to the rack, meaty side up, let sit for 10 mins.
  • Preheat broiler with oven rack 3 inches from broiler. Brush ribs with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and broil until bubbling and beginning to char, about 4 mins.
  • Remove ribs, brush with remaining sauce, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 mins.
  • Slice between bones and serve.