January 30, 2026
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You’re right here since you need ribs that prove tender, juicy, and filled with taste and not using a bunch of steps or stress. This Crockpot Ribs Recipe works as a result of it focuses on timing, moisture, and steadiness. The ribs keep meaty, slice cleanly, and end with a sticky, caramelized sauce that appears and tastes such as you deliberate forward (even in the event you didn’t).

Ingredient Notes + Variations
These crockpot ribs use a brief ingredient record, however each merchandise pulls its weight. The seasoning builds taste, the apple juice retains issues juicy, and the BBQ sauce finishes every little thing with that shiny, finger-licking coating. It’s a little bit of a check of persistence as a result of the prepare dinner time is 3+ hours when all is alleged and carried out, however man oh man the repay is so value it!
- BBQ sauce: A smoky brown sugar sauce thickens properly below the broiler and provides you that restaurant-style end.
- Pork ribs: Child again ribs prepare dinner a bit quicker and really feel additional tender, whereas St. Louis type ribs convey extra meat and construction. Each work superbly right here.
- Dry rub: A mesquite-style rub provides smoky depth with out overpowering the pork. Use your favourite mix in the event you want.
- Apple juice: This provides moisture and a refined sweetness that balances the savory rub.

Cook dinner Ribs in a Crockpot
These are fairly easy instructions begin to end; the toughest half is ready till they’re able to grill (or broil). Simply you’ll want to regulate them to make sure they don’t begin falling aside within the crockpot. They’re a PAIN to grill in the event that they don’t even maintain collectively. For those who overcook them and they’re falling aside, do your greatest to brush with bbq sauce and broil. Broiling required much less motion and can hold them collectively greater than grilling would. For full recipe particulars, see the printable recipe card under.
Step 1: Prep Your Rack of Ribs
Prep the ribs: take away silver pores and skin (extra on that under recipe card) and rub generously with dry rub of your selection.

Step 2: Cook dinner Your Ribs within the Crockpot
Stand two racks of ribs upright within the crockpot, slicing in half if crucial to suit vertically.
Pour in apple juice to the underside to assist stop scorching.
Cowl and prepare dinner 4 hours or low or 2 1/2 hours on excessive or till meat is tender however not falling off the bone. Each crockpot is totally different, so that you’ll must double test your ribs for doneness.

Step 3: Brush with BBQ Sauce + Grill
Take away from crockpot, brush with BBQ sauce and broil or grill. Minimize into parts and serve. Whereas I like to recommend utilizing pork child again ribs as a result of I simply want them extra, this recipe will work utilizing St. Louis Type ribs.

Suggestions for Success
- Examine doneness early since crockpots differ greater than you’d suppose.
- Maintain the ribs upright in order that they prepare dinner evenly and keep meaty.
- Sauce goes on on the finish so it thickens as a substitute of sliding off.
- Let the ribs relaxation a couple of minutes earlier than slicing for cleaner cuts.
What to Serve with Ribs
Listed below are a few of my favourite facet dishes that go effectively with ribs or actually something you’ll be BBQing.
There you’ve it, I hope you get pleasure from these ribs as a lot as we did! The printable recipe card is under. Have a terrific day, buddies! 🙂

Cook dinner Ribs within the Crockpot
This Crockpot Ribs recipe yields probably the most tender and attractive ribs ever! Cook dinner them till tender within the crockpot after which end them off on the grill or broiler with a number of BBQ sauce!
Components
- 2 racks pork child again ribs or st. louis type
- 1/4 cup dry rub McCormick Mesquite Seasoning really helpful
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce Stubb’s Smokey Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce really helpful
Directions
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Prep the ribs: take away silver pores and skin and rub generously with dry rub of your selection.
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Stand two racks of ribs upright within the crockpot, slicing in half if crucial to suit vertically. Pour in apple juice to the underside. Cowl and prepare dinner 4 hours or low or 2 1/2 hours on excessive or till meat is tender however not falling off the bone. Each crockpot is totally different, so that you’ll must double test your ribs for doneness.
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Take away from crockpot, brush with BBQ sauce liberally on either side and broil or grill. Minimize into parts and serve.
Notes
Storage Directions
Retailer leftover crockpot ribs in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. These ribs freeze effectively for as much as 2 months, simply wrap tightly and thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating. You too can prepare dinner the ribs forward, refrigerate, then sauce and broil proper earlier than serving.
Diet
Energy: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 37gFats: 31gSaturated Fats: 11gLdl cholesterol: 130mgSodium: 656mgPotassium: 618mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 225IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 103mgIron: 3mg
Cooking Ribs Fundamentals
Child Again vs St. Louis Type Ribs
Child again ribs are sometimes a bit smaller with much less meat on them, however generally you’ll find them actually meaty (like as seen in these photos). St. Louis type ribs are a bit bigger with a bit extra meat. Actually, it simply comes down to private desire. Additionally, you may prepare dinner your ribs within the oven or make crockpot ribs as this submit describes.
What’s Silver Pores and skin and Do I Should Take away it?
Silver Pores and skin is a membrane of connective tissue discovered on the again of each rack of ribs. Regardless of how lengthy you prepare dinner your ribs (within the crockpot, in a smoker, within the oven, and many others..), this tissue gained’t break down so its greatest to take away all silver pores and skin earlier than cooking to make sure the ribs are as tender as you need. Eradicating it additionally ensures your seasonings penetrate all of the meat.
Take away Silver Pores and skin
That is truly a lot simpler than you suppose! It looks like it will be intimidating however couldn’t be easier.
- Flip your rack of ribs over so the again, boney facet is face up.
- Beginning on the smaller, narrower finish, use a small knife or kitchen shears to slip below the sting of silver pores and skin and get a bit flap to seize.
- Utilizing a paper towel, grip the flap you created and pull off. It ought to come off in a single lengthy sheet but when it doesn’t, use the knife to drag up one other part and begin pulling once more.
Variations
- Swap apple juice for pineapple juice for a sweeter end.
- Use a spicy BBQ sauce to show up the warmth.
- End on the grill for added char and smoke taste.
- Slice into particular person ribs earlier than saucing for additional caramelized edges.
Extra Crockpot Favorites:
For those who make this recipe, I’d actually admire it in the event you would give it a star score and depart your assessment within the feedback! When you’ve got an image of your completed dish, submit it on Instagram utilizing the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
