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**Crockpot Barbecue Ribs: The Ultimate Hands-Off Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Ribs**
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, these **Crockpot Barbecue Ribs** are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? You can set them and forget them, allowing the Crockpot to do all the heavy lifting.
### **Why You’ll Love Crockpot Barbecue Ribs:**
### **Ingredients:**
– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3-4 lbs total)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for added depth)
– 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
– 1/4 cup water or apple cider vinegar (for moisture)
– Aluminum foil
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Ribs**
Start by removing the silver skin (the thin membrane on the back of the ribs) if your butcher hasn’t already done so. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and makes the ribs more tender. To remove the membrane, simply grab it with a paper towel and peel it off from one end to the other.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Crockpot**
For easy cleanup, line the bottom of your Crockpot with aluminum foil, or spray the insert with non-stick cooking spray. Pour a bit of water or apple cider vinegar into the bottom to keep the ribs moist while they cook.
#### **Step 5: Slow Cook the Ribs**
Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer you cook them, the more tender they will become, so feel free to cook them on low for the full 8 hours for maximum tenderness.
**Step 6: Apply the Barbecue Sauce**
About 30 minutes before the ribs are done cooking, brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own. If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the ribs cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and thicken.