If you’re craving fall-off-the-bone, tender barbecue ribs, look no further than this easy and delicious crockpot recipe. With a savory homemade barbecue sauce, these ribs will become a hit at any gathering or family dinner. The slow-cooking method ensures the ribs are tender and flavorful, while the barbecue sauce gives them that irresistible smoky, tangy kick.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 4 to 5 pounds baby back ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:
- 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup chili sauce
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ribs
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow baking pan and pop them into the oven. Brown the ribs in the oven for 15 minutes on one side, then flip them over and brown the other side for another 15 minutes. After browning, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Make the Barbecue Sauce
While the ribs are browning, prepare the homemade barbecue sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ribs
Once the ribs are browned, transfer them to the crockpot. Pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ribs are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the crockpot. Place them on a serving platter, and if you like, you can brush on extra barbecue sauce for added flavor. Serve the tender, flavorful ribs with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Barbecue Ribs:
- For Extra Flavor: If you like your ribs with a bit of a spicy kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
- Rest the Ribs: After removing the ribs from the slow cooker, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Broil for a Crispy Finish: If you like your ribs a little crispy on the edges, after they finish cooking in the slow cooker, place them under the broiler for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Barbecue Ribs recipe is the perfect solution for tender, flavorful ribs with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, and the homemade barbecue sauce is a wonderful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re serving these ribs for a casual family meal or a backyard BBQ, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
