Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

I cooked a big ole batch of baby back ribs in my slow cooker the other day. The recipe I used made for smoky barbecue-inspired ribs that came out tender and flavorful. These slow cooker roadhouse ribs are a tad bit different, but still tender and delicious. They’re packed with flavor, inside and out. There’s nothing worse than a rib whose flavor is only ‘skin deep’. You know the kind. Covered in sauce. You take one bite and as soon as you’re past the sauce … nothing. Nada. As boring as a cup of warm water. Not these ribs.

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

Now, sure, I’d prefer a rack of ribs off my smoker or grill, but sometimes that’s just not an option. And honestly, I can devour a rack of slow cooker roadhouse ribs just as quickly as one that has been smoked for 6 hours. They’re different. I don’t think they compete with each other. They’re different ways of cooking ribs, each with it’s own merits.

I prefer a spicy BBQ sauce on this roadhouse ribs. Well, usually. Sometimes I go the sweet route instead.

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

These slow cooker roadhouse ribs are a tad bit different, but still tender and delicious. They’re packed with flavor, inside and out.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, ribs, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 87kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 rack ribs baby back or St. Louis-style spareribs, membrane removed, cut into 3-4 bone sections if necessary to fit into your slow cooker
  • 2 cans beer any style you like
  • 1 small onion skinned, cut into quarters
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients except for the BBQ sauce to your slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours or until the meat has pulled back 1" from the bone. Stir every hour or so.
  • The ribs will be falling apart, so remove them carefully to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the ribs on all sides with the BBQ sauce.
  • Place under an oven broiler on high for 5 or so minutes until the sauce is set and the ribs start to get a little char along the edges. Flip the ribs once.
  • Serve immediately, cutting into single bone servings if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

I know my buddies on the grilling and smoker forums are going to give me grief over making slow cooker baby back ribs. But I am always up to trying something new (to me). Now, yes, I know these baby back ribs don’t sit in a smoker for 6 or so hours and get a beautiful smoke ring. But, they are tender, almost fall-off-the-bone tender, and with a little help, quite tasty. And hey, when it’s blowing 45 MPH winds outside with a wind chill well below 0, slow cooker baby back ribs will do just nicely.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Like with boiling ribs (ok, don’t hate me for boiling ribs!) before grilling them, you have to add something so that the ribs get some flavor to them. Last time I boiled ribs, I added Old Bay seafood boil seasoning. When I made these baby back ribs I added a drop or two of liquid smoke and a little smoky BBQ sauce to boot. Sure, it’s not the same as sitting over hickory smoke for a long time, but those smoky flavors do absorb into the meat as it cooks.

Also try my slow cooker Vietnamese ribs.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Sure, it's not the same as sitting over hickory smoke for a long time, but those smoky flavors do absorb into the meat as it cooks.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, ribs, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 487kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Separate the ribs into sections, 2-3 bones each.
  • Season the ribs on both sides with plenty of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy.
  • Add the water to the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce.
  • Add the ribs. Top with the onion and sprinkle with the garlic.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Remove ribs, discarding the onion.
  • Coat ribs in BBQ sauce on all sides.
  • Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has set.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 552mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.