Easy Slow Cooker Ribs – Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender

Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
If you are looking for fall-off-the bone, tender ribs, this the recipe for you! They were cooked perfectly in the crockpot with the right amount of flavor. As you can see from the photos, the ribs were massive. I did end up breaking them so they fit in the crockpot easier. 

I love making crockpot recipes because I have been so busy during the week with Jace's basketball, that I am wanting meals that are easy and convenient. This recipe was a set and go recipe. The crockpot works great because I can add all of my ingredients, add the seasonings, and let it cook all day, low and slow. 

It still may be over 100 degrees here still, but I will do anything to make an easy crockpot meal. Our family of three enjoyed it, including our teen. The fact that he can come home from basketball and dinner is ready makes this meal a convenient weekday meal that the whole family loves. Jace even wanted seconds! He loves ribs.

We served ours with broccoli, garlic bread and a side salad.

• Total cook and prep time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes, this recipe is made with family-friendly ingredients
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Serving size: 3-4
• Serving suggestions: Serve with broccoli, mashed potatoes, a side salad or garlic bread. 

I try and eat healthier when and where I can so I did substitute ketchup for a sugar free version.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ribs
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• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• *1 tsp celery seed
• Ribs, cut into sections
• *1 1/2 cups ketchup (no sugar added)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

How to Make Fall-Off-the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs

Step #1 Place onion powder in the bottom of a crockpot and add ribs. 

Step #2 In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, and celery seed. 

Step #3 Rub over both sides of ribs. 

Step #4 In another bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and spread 1/2 of the mix over the ribs. Reserve remaining sauce.

Step #5 Cook on low for about 7 hours. 

Step #6 Transfer ribs to a pan.

Note: For future reference, I will be putting the ribs in a pan instead of on a baking sheet. The liquid unfortunately poured off the sides and with a pan, it will allow the liquid to stay in and around the ribs.

Step #7 Add reserved sauce and any extra sauce in the crockpot to a small pot. 

Step #8 Over medium heat on the stove, cook 5-7 minutes. Pour over ribs and broil ribs 2-3 minutes. Ribs should look perfectly tender and have a little char at this point. If you like them super crispy, broil for a few additional minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.

Storage & Reheating Tip:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Have you tried this slow cooker ribs recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don't forget to rate the recipe and share it with friends.

And if you love slow cooker recipes, you may also want to check out these recipes:
Tender and Flavorful Pot Roast
Shredded Ranch Chicken

Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments!