Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the succulent taste of tender pork ribs, especially when cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe combines the smoky flavors of paprika and sweet brown sugar for a truly delectable dish. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, these St. Louis-style pork ribs are bound to impress.

Ingredients

6 pounds St. Louis-style pork ribs

3 tablespoons smoked paprika

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

24 ounces (1 jar) barbecue sauce

¼ cup apple cider vinegar (optional, if using a sweet barbecue sauce)

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 5-6 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes – 6 hours 25 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Directions

1. Set the slow cooker to low and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Rub the dry mixture evenly over the ribs.

5. Brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce.

6. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing upright with the meaty side against the inside wall.

7. Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the ribs.

8. If using a sweet barbecue sauce, pour the apple cider vinegar over the ribs.

9. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

10. Serve with additional barbecue sauce, or strain the cooking juices through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan.

11. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced to 2 cups.

12. Slice the meat between the bones and serve with the barbecue sauce.