Looking for a way to spice up your weeknights without sacrificing flavor or effort? Look no further than these tender and delicious slow cooker ribs recipes! With just a few simple ingredients and some slow-cooked magic, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From sweet and tangy glazes to spicy and smoky flavors, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering options to choose from. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a new twist on a classic comfort food, these slow cooker ribs recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of slow-cooked ribs and share our favorite recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From classic combinations like honey garlic and BBQ bourbon to more adventurous flavors like sticky Asian-inspired and chipotle lime, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So grab your crock pot and get ready to indulge in some seriously tasty ribs!
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful slow cooker ribs slathered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner or party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
5. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ribs.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
BBQ Bourbon Slow Cooker Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and tangy BBQ Bourbon Slow Cooker Ribs! With a blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, bourbon whiskey (or substitute), honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place in slow cooker.
4. Pour the sugar mixture over the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Add sliced onion on top of the ribs.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender and falling off the bone.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Sticky Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Ribs
Sticky Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Ribs: A sweet and savory twist on traditional slow cooker ribs, this recipe combines the rich flavors of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create a mouthwatering glaze that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the glaze over the ribs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and brush with any remaining glaze.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Smoky Maple Slow Cooker Ribs
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and smoky recipe that yields tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place in the slow cooker. Brush with the sweet and smoky mixture.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender.
5. If desired, brush with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Spicy Sriracha Slow Cooker Ribs
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This recipe combines the richness of slow-cooked ribs with the spicy kick of sriracha, all in one easy and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place ribs in the slow cooker and brush with the sriracha mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and sprinkle with additional sriracha if desired.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Slow Cooker Ribs
Elevate your slow cooker game with this sweet and tangy recipe for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs (optional).
4. Place ribs in the slow cooker and brush with the glaze.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pineapple Teriyaki Slow Cooker Ribs
Elevate your slow cooker game with this sweet and savory recipe for Pineapple Teriyaki Slow Cooker Ribs. Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a sticky pineapple teriyaki glaze will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Add the red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki glaze over them.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped pineapple.
6. Serve hot with additional pineapple chunks if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Coca-Cola Braised Slow Cooker Ribs
Elevate your slow cooker game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the richness of Coca-Cola with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cumin.
3. Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the Coca-Cola mixture over them.
5. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Ribs
Transform tender ribs into a savory masterpiece with this simple slow cooker recipe. Fall-apart meat, rich garlic flavor, and a hint of parmesan cheese – what more could you ask for?
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs (if using beef) and place in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the garlic mixture over the ribs, followed by chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.
5. Sprinkle oregano on top.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Chipotle Lime Slow Cooker Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the bold flavors of these tender and tangy slow cooker ribs, infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the ribs, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in any accumulated juices and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Apple Cider Slow Cooker Ribs
Elevate your slow cooker game with this sweet and tangy Apple Cider Slow Cooker Ribs recipe. Perfect for a cozy evening or a crowd-pleasing party, these tender ribs are smothered in a delicious apple cider-based BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the ribs (if using beef).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the apple cider mixture over them.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the minced garlic (if using).
7. Serve with additional apple cider sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Ribs
Get ready for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a sweet and tangy twist! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner party or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and brush with the sweet and tangy mixture.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Korean Gochujang Slow Cooker Ribs
Transform your ribs into sweet and spicy masterpieces with this easy Korean-inspired recipe using gochujang, a fermented chili paste. Perfect for a lazy Sunday or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup gochujang
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and water.
2. Add the short ribs to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of the cooking liquid until smooth.
5. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Balsamic Glazed Slow Cooker Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with the rich flavors of balsamic glaze and a hint of spice. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner party or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef pork spare ribs
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
4. Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour glaze over them.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Peach BBQ Slow Cooker Ribs
Sweet and tangy, these slow-cooked ribs are a summer classic. Tender and flavorful, they’re perfect for your next backyard barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef pork ribs
– 1 cup peach preserves
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together peach preserves, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and brush with the peach mixture.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Serve: With your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
Root Beer Slow Cooker Ribs
Savor the fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful ribs that result from this unique combination of root beer, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing party or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef ribs
– 1 cup root beer
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together root beer, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour the root beer mixture over them.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight (9 PM to 7 AM).
5. Remove ribs from the slow cooker and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Cherry Cola Slow Cooker Ribs
Experience the unique flavor combination of tender ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy cherry cola sauce, all made possible with your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry cola, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cumin.
3. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the cherry cola mixture over them.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Ginger Soy Slow Cooker Ribs
Savor the sweet and savory fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with these tender slow-cooked ribs, perfect for a stress-free dinner party or cozy night in. This recipe combines the richness of pork ribs with the brightness of ginger and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended for tender results).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the soy-ginger mixture evenly over them.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Serve: With your favorite sides, such as steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
Orange Marmalade Slow Cooker Ribs
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with these tender slow-cooked ribs smothered in a rich orange marmalade glaze. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and brush the marmalade glaze all over them.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Five-Spice Slow Cooker Ribs
Slow-cooked ribs smothered in a savory five-spice blend, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup five-spice powder (Chinese-style)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together five-spice powder, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended for tender results).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, leaving some space between each rack.
5. Spread half of the spice mixture evenly over the ribs.
6. Add sliced onions on top of the ribs.
7. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
8. Remove the ribs from the cooker and brush with the remaining spice mixture.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Summary
Discover 20 mouth-watering slow cooker rib recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic BBQ to international twists, these tender and flavorful ribs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With a range of sweet and savory options like Honey Garlic, Spicy Sriracha, and Peach BBQ, you’re guaranteed to find a recipe that suits your taste. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and come home to fall-off-the-bone tender ribs.
