Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Absolutely. Spare ribs work brilliantly in the slow cooker. They have a bit more fat which makes them extra flavourful. You may need to add an extra hour on Low as they are slightly meatier. Just ensure they fit snugly in your crockpot.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?

You don't need to add much liquid at all. The ribs release a good amount of their own juices as they cook. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a few tablespoons of water is plenty. Slow cookers retain moisture very well, so there's no need to submerge the ribs.

Can I prepare the ribs the night before?

Yes, this is a great time-saver. Rub the ribs with the spice mixture, wrap them tightly in cling film, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply unwrap and place them straight into the slow cooker. The extra marinating time actually improves the flavour.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are ready when the meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones and is very tender. You should be able to easily twist a bone and pull it out cleanly. If the meat is still clinging tightly to the bone, give it another 30–60 minutes.

Crockpot ribs are so good and so easy to make! Impress your family making this one for dinner

by mealsandmunchies

Pork

Published 15 April 2026Original video

These crockpot ribs are the ultimate fuss-free family dinner. Simply season your pork ribs with a flavourful dry rub, pop them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen over several hours. The low and slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender meat that falls right off the bone. Finish with your favourite BBQ sauce for a sticky, delicious glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's comfort food at its finest with barely any hands-on time.

Video thumbnail: Crockpot ribs are so good and so easy to make! Impress your family making this one for dinner

Watch: Crockpot ribs are so good and so easy to make! Impress your family making this one for dinner

Original recipe video — click to play

Original video by mealsandmunchies12k likes on YouTube

15 mins

Prep time

8 hrs

Slow cook (Low)

4 hrs

Slow cook (High)

Serves

8 hrs 15 mins

Total (Low)

Slow cooker setting:Low 8 hours or High 4 hours

Ingredients

Servings:

Units:

Ribs

1000 g pork baby back ribs, membrane removed, cut into sections to fit the slow cooker
Spare ribs also work well

Dry Rub

3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
Adjust to taste
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
½ tsp chilli powder(optional)
Omit if cooking for children or those who prefer mild flavours

Sauce

250 ml BBQ sauce
Add during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking for the best flavour and consistency
Use your favourite shop-bought or homemade BBQ sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar(optional)
Adds a nice tang; can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker at the start

Method

1
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a butter knife under it and peeling it off with a paper towel. This helps the rub penetrate and ensures tender results.
~5 mins
Tip: Ask your butcher to do this if you prefer
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chilli powder (if using) to make the dry rub.
~2 mins
3
Rub the spice mixture generously all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Press the rub into the meat.
~3 mins
4
If using apple cider vinegar, pour it into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the ribs into the slow cooker, standing them up on their side and curling them around the inside of the pot if needed to fit.
~2 mins
Tip: You may need to cut the rack into 2–3 sections to fit your slow cooker
5
Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulling away from the bone.
~8 hrs
Tip: Do not open the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends the cooking time
6
About 30–60 minutes before the end of cooking, carefully open the lid and brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Replace the lid and continue cooking.
~5 mins
7
Optional but recommended: once the ribs are done, transfer them to a baking tray lined with foil. Brush with a final layer of BBQ sauce and place under a hot grill for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is caramelised and sticky. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
~5 mins
Optional step
Tip: This step adds a lovely caramelised finish
8
Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve with your favourite sides.
~5 mins

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional information is coming soon. For now, we recommend using a tool like MyFitnessPal to calculate values for your specific brands and quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Absolutely. Spare ribs work brilliantly in the slow cooker. They have a bit more fat which makes them extra flavourful. You may need to add an extra hour on Low as they are slightly meatier. Just ensure they fit snugly in your crockpot.

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