Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs

Savory Goodness Awaits!

Who doesn’t love the tantalizing aroma of fall-off-the-bone ribs wafting through your kitchen? Imagine biting into tender, smoky pork that practically melts in your mouth, coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Sounds heavenly, right? This Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs recipe serves up all that goodness with minimal fuss. Perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights!

Why Make This Recipe

First off, cooking with a Crock Pot means you can set it and forget it. Seriously, it’s the adult version of cooking that feels like a cheat code. Just toss in your ingredients and let the magic happen. Plus, cleanup becomes a breeze with just one pot to wash. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want a dinner that impresses without the stress? 🍖

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 3 pounds pork spare ribs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Ready to dig in? Let’s get those ribs going! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Pat ribs dry and remove the membrane.
2. Rub the ribs evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cut the ribs into sections and arrange them upright in the crock pot.
4. Add apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to the bottom of the pot.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until very tender.
6. Mix barbecue sauce with brown sugar until smooth.
7. Carefully transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
8. Brush the ribs generously with the sauce and broil until bubbling.
9. Apply a second layer of sauce and broil again until sticky.
10. Let them rest briefly before serving.

How to Make Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs (Overview)

Making these ribs is as easy as pie. Start by prepping your ribs with a quick rub to pack in those flavors. Don’t skip the step of cutting them into sections; it really helps with even cooking. Once you’ve got them arranged in the crock pot, it’s all about patience. The magic happens as those ribs simmer away. And remember—broiling them at the end gives them that perfectly sticky finish. Trust me, you’ll want to savor this step! 😉

How to Serve Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs

Serving these ribs is where the fun begins! You can plate them up with a side of creamy coleslaw, or if you’re feeling adventurous, serve with sweet potato fries. Picture the vibrant colors contrasting with the rich BBQ sauce, and the crunch from the coleslaw cutting through the meat’s richness. Your guests will be inhaling that aroma before you even dig in!

How to Store Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep these delicious ribs around longer, pop them in the freezer where they’ll be good for up to 3 months. For reheating, just pop them back in the oven or the microwave. Easy breezy, right?

Tips to Make Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs

• Want more flavor? Let your ribs marinate overnight with the rub. It’s a little patience that pays off big time!
• If you’re short on time, consider using baby back ribs instead—they cook a tad faster.
• For added texture, a grill or air fryer finish can give you that lovely crispiness after slow cooking.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the barbecue sauce for a spicy Asian glaze or a sweet maple syrup mix. You can even make a version without meat by substituting it with plant-based BBQ “ribs” for a fun vegan twist!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs, season them, and let them sit in the fridge a day prior.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar is a fantastic substitute.

Can I leave the ribs cooking overnight?
I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. They might turn to mush! Stick with the 7 to 8-hour guideline for the best texture.

Now go on, fire up your crock pot and treat yourself to this deliciousness! You won’t regret it. 📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Crock Pot Pork Spare Ribs

Tender, smoky pork spare ribs coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, cooked effortlessly in a Crock Pot for a perfect meal any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Barbecue

Calories: 700

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Ribs

• 3 pounds pork spare ribs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pat ribs dry and remove the membrane.
2. Rub the ribs evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cut the ribs into sections and arrange them upright in the crock pot.
4. Add apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to the bottom of the pot.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until very tender.
2. Mix barbecue sauce with brown sugar until smooth.
3. Carefully transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Brush the ribs generously with the sauce and broil until bubbling.
5. Apply a second layer of sauce and broil again until sticky.
6. Let them rest briefly before serving.

Notes

For more flavor, let your ribs marinate overnight with the rub. If you're short on time, consider using baby back ribs instead—they cook a tad faster. For added texture, grill or air fry after slow cooking.