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The EASIEST recipe (just 10-minute prep time and the slow cooker does all the hard work) for fall-off-the-bone slow cooker ribs that will have everyone wanting more!

Forget tough ribs, this is the best method for making tender bbq ribs if you don’t own a smoker or don’t have the time to babysit your ribs while they cook. Have deliciously tender slow cooker ribs in as little as 4 hours using the high setting on your crock-pot for an easy comforting meal any night of the week.

The Easiest Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe You Will Ever Make for tender fall off the bone ribs! | Slow Cooker Ribs by popular Florida lifestyle blog, Fresh Mommy Blog: Pinterest image of slow cooker ribs.

National barbecue day is July 13. But if you are anything like our family, we love to barbecue all year round.

Barbecue has a long history in America. Even cavemen roasted their meat in fire pits but is there a better way?

As a mom of 6, I need meals that are going to work for our busy lifestyle. It can be challenging to cook enough food at the same time to feed this big crew.

That’s why I love my crockpot and instant pot. I’m all about dump-and-go meals.

But I bet you probably haven’t thought of trying slow cooker ribs.

It’s a thing! And these slow cooker ribs are easier and turn our more tender than cooking in an oven or on a grill, too!

It only takes 10 minutes to prep. They are moist, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. So, keep reading for the easiest slow cooker ribs recipe you will ever make.

Try our family-favorite Omaha Steaks Ribs with Sweet Smokey Barbeque Sauce! It’s a winning combo!

Where is the Barbecue Capital of America?

Writing up this slow cooker ribs’ recipe has me wondering where the barbecue capital of America is. It’s kind of hard to say.

Google shows that Kansas City, Memphis, and other cities could be considered the barbecue capitals of America. Thanks, Google…

It may be due to regional pride. There are four distinguishable categories of barbecue cooking in the US including Carolina style, Texas style, Kansas City style, and Memphis style.

Carolina is recognized for its shredded pork and vinegar-based sauce; Texas is known for beef brisket, Kansas City is associated with its sticky tomato-based sauce, and Memphis style barbecue is all about the ribs.

Even though I am partial to slow cooker ribs I wouldn’t dare declare a barbecue capital of America winner. The great news? You can use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe, any style works, and it’s all about your taste – this recipe is all for getting the result of tender, slow-cooked ribs easily.

So tell me! Drop your opinion of the best barbecue-style in the comments below.

Why I Love Using My Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are the best. I have grown to love my slow cooker even more with the addition of the twins. Now a mother of six, I have an inherent need for low effort meals that make a lot of food.

I’ve become a pro at sheet pan meals, one-pan meals, instant pot meals, and slow cooker meals. I especially like slow cooker meals because they are dump-and-go.

The food, particularly meat, always comes out moist and flavorful.

So not only is the food you make easy, it’s delicious and that’s really important to avoid dinner time battles with children. If the food tastes great they are more likely to eat it without giving you a hard time.

Okay, let’s get into the slow cooker ribs’ recipe.

Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Ribs

The trick for cooking these ribs in the crock-pot is to season them well, then stand them up in the slow cooker! This helps so that the ribs don’t drown in their own fluids and by leaning against the side of the crock-pot, you get close to crispy skin while keeping the meat tender.

If you really want to crisp up the edges, you can lay the ribs on a baking sheet AFTER cooking in the crock-pot and place under the broiler for a few minutes.

I don’t typically do this though, and we eat straight from the slow cooker, and they are always DELICIOUS!

You can use your favorite ribs, and once in the slow cooker, pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the top edge.

My favorite ribs? We order from Omaha Steaks and I’ve been seriously impressed! My family couldn’t stop eating these ribs. I also used the Sweet Smokey Applewood seasoning as a rub and the Sweet and Smokey BBQ Sauce. Definitely a winning combination!

Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce from Omaha Steaks |Slow Cooker Ribs by popular Florida lifestyle blog, Fresh Mommy Blog: image of Omaha Steaks Sweet and Smoky BBQ sauce.

Easiest Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

This is the easiest recipe (just 10-minute prep time and the slow cooker does all the hard work) for fall-off-the-bone slow cooker ribs that will have everyone wanting more! Forget tough ribs, this is the best method for making tender BBQ ribs if you don’t own a smoker or don’t have the time to babysit your food.

Cook the ribs in as little as 4 hours using the high setting on your crock-pot. Use your favorite rack of ribs (spare, country style, baby back, beef) and barbecue sauce for an easy comforting meal any night of the week.

The Easiest Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe You Will Ever Make

Ingredients

2 1/2 to 3 lbs. ribs
Black pepper, to taste (I like to add a generous amount)
2 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend or rib rub (I use Omaha Steaks Sweet and Smokey Applewood Rub)
1 cup of barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought - I use Omaha Steaks Sweet and Smokey BBQ Sauce)

Instructions

Season your rack of ribs with black pepper and seasonings. If not using a pre-made seasoning, you can add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and brown sugar to create your own delicious blend. These measurements are just a guide, feel free to add more for a thicker dry rub.
Place the ribs standing up against the inside of the slow cooker.
Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs and let it drip down both sides.
Close the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
To serve, gently move the ribs to a large platter or baking sheet and spoon some of the cooking juices all over the rack, and serve a little barbecue sauce on the side, too.

Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Ribs

If these aren’t the easiest ribs you’ve ever made, I would be surprised. Slow cooker ribs are the perfect barbecue meal idea for busy moms like me.

But if you are up for some old-school barbecuing this summer check out our DIY grill table project. It’s super stylish on a budget. And it is one of our favorite DIY projects we’ve done.

If these easy slow cooker ribs are in your future, you should check out my post on how to make a mouthwatering BBQ charcuterie board. You’ll be surprised just how easy it is. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.