14 Easy Ribs Recipes (For Your Slow Cooker)
Find recipes for spare ribs, baby back ribs, country-style ribs, and more!
You may not have thought of your slow cooker as a way to cook things you'd ordinarily throw on the grill, however, slow-cooked ribs might just be one of our favorite items to make when summer rolls around.
Why? Because you'll achieve a fork-tender, fall-off-the-bone consistency that you can't aways get on the grill. Plus, when you cook ribs in the slow cooker, you'll free up your grill for other items, like burgers and hot dogs, making your backyard BBQ come to life in no time at all.
Slow cooker ribs have never been easier to achieve with the simple and delectable recipes we've included below. From traditional, savory recipes, to sweet, spicy and even fruity sauces, these ribs are sure to be the only thing people can talk about next time you have a get-together. So what are you waiting for? Let's get slow cookin'!
And for a staple BBQ sauce you can always turn to, check out the easy homemade sauce recipe included below. It will give you something finger-lickin'-good to throw on all your slow cooker ribs and other BBQ recipes this summer.
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipes
If you've never had spare ribs, they're ribs from the belly area of the pig. Though they appear longer and larger than baby back ribs, spare ribs contain less meat. That said, many spare ribs fans prefer this type because the fat to meat ratio is a little better, providing a better texture and flavor.
In our opinion, you should enjoy all types of ribs indiscriminately. After all, a good BBQ is a good BBQ. 'nuff said.
Slow Cooker Recipes for Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs are the classic choice for summer barbecues (and for good reason)! These ribs come from the upper and lower areas of the spine and ribs, and they're very meaty. Baby back ribs are the favorite for a reason, and this is your first time making a rib recipe, this type of meat is a great place to start.
Slow Cooker Country-Style Ribs
Country-style ribs are the meatiest ribs of the bunch. This style of rib is cut from close to the pork shoulder. Since it's cut so close to the pork shoulder, it contains no actual rib bones. The bones in country-style ribs are actually pieces of the shoulder blade.
If you enjoyed the country ribs recipes above, you might enjoy these
Ribs are a great choice for a cookout! For more cookout ideas, take a look at our recipe collection:
Slow Cooker Recipes for Beef Ribs
We can't forget about beef ribs! Beef ribs are also delicious and perfect for making in the slow cooker. Check out these incredibly delicious short rib recipes that'll have you licking your lips, your fingers, and your plate!
BONUS! Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Sauce: "I'm just going to go on and say it. If you're not putting this on everything you eat, you are just not living! Seriously. My Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Sauce is that good!"
Wise words from one of our slow cooker-loving bloggers! We also want to add that there's nothing more satisfying than knowing you made your own homemade barbecue sauce from scratch. That's bragging rights right there. Enjoy!
What's your favorite rib preparation? Let us know in the comments!
Up Next: 20 Summer Potluck Slow Cooker Recipes