These super easy slow cooker ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor! Perfect for busy days, this dish fits right into your rotation of quick and easy recipes. Whether you’re looking for air fryer easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, sweet easy recipes, or even easy recipes with ground beef alternatives, this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s one of those chicken stirfry easy recipe swaps that surprises everyone. Serve them up for a comforting meal or your next game day snack — even quick evening snacks don’t get better than this!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs
4) How to Make Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs
5) Tips for Making Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs
6) Making Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy days or casual dinners at home.
Uses a simple mix of seasonings and BBQ sauce.
Cooked low and slow in a crock pot for juicy results.

2) Easy Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

If you’re searching for quick and easy recipes that will impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker ribs recipe is exactly what you need. At Lila Cooks, I love sharing simple yet flavor-packed dishes, and these ribs are a true favorite. With just a few basic ingredients and your trusty crock pot, you’ll get incredibly tender, juicy ribs that taste like they’ve been smoked for hours.

3) Ingredients for Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

Baby Back Ribs: Choose a 2.5 to 3-pound rack of baby back ribs for this recipe. They are more tender and leaner than spare ribs, making them ideal for slow cooking. Removing the membrane from the back helps the seasonings penetrate and ensures a tender bite.

Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential! Salt enhances flavor, while pepper adds a subtle heat. A good seasoning base allows the BBQ sauce to shine without overwhelming the meat’s natural taste.

Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that adds a warm, earthy depth of flavor. It complements the smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce beautifully and gives the ribs that comforting home-cooked touch.

Onion Powder: Adds a slightly sweet and savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile. It blends well with garlic powder to create a balanced dry rub.

Paprika: Smoked paprika works best if you have it, lending a smoky kick that mimics the taste of outdoor-grilled ribs. It also adds a beautiful red hue to the finished dish.

BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. A thicker sauce clings better to the ribs and adds that sticky, delicious finish. This is what turns the ribs into a saucy masterpiece.

4) How to Make Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

Step 1. Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane on the back. Use a knife to loosen it from one end and pull it off using a paper towel for grip. This step ensures that your ribs are as tender as possible after slow cooking.

Step 2. Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Pat the spices into the meat gently so they stick well and absorb during cooking. This step builds a flavorful base for the ribs.

Step 3. Cut the ribs into 3-4 bone sections so they fit easily into the slow cooker. Layer them inside, placing meatier sides toward the outside for even cooking. This also helps the ribs stay juicy throughout the cooking process.

Step 4. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs, reserving a small amount for finishing. Use tongs to move the ribs slightly so the sauce coats everything evenly. This step infuses the ribs with bold flavor as they cook.

Step 5. Set your slow cooker on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Resist opening the lid too often—slow cookers work best when sealed. When time’s up, the ribs should be fork-tender and rich in flavor.

Step 6. Optional: For a caramelized finish, place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with reserved BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. This step adds that restaurant-quality sticky glaze.

5) Tips for Making Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

To get the most out of your quick and easy recipes, always begin with fresh, high-quality meat. Look for ribs with a good meat-to-bone ratio. When seasoning, don’t be afraid to add a dash of cayenne or chili powder if you love heat. One pro tip is to apply half the BBQ sauce before cooking and reserve the rest for the end—this prevents burning and gives a rich finish. Lining your slow cooker with foil or a liner also makes cleanup a breeze.

6) Making Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs Ahead of Time

Planning meals ahead is a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling busy schedules. These ribs are excellent for make-ahead dinners or weekend meal preps. Once cooked, allow the ribs to cool slightly and store them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. If you’re meal prepping, store the cooked ribs without sauce and add fresh BBQ sauce when reheating.

7) Storing Leftover Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this recipe. Store your slow cooker ribs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, wrap them in foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through to preserve their moisture. You can also freeze them by wrapping each portion tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Super Easy Slow Cooker Ribs