Pork ribs are a true delight for any meat lover, especially when they’re so tender and flavorful that they practically fall off the bone. If you’ve tried various methods of cooking ribs, you know they often require a lot of attention—wrapping them in foil, keeping an eye on the grill, and continuously basting them to perfection. However, there’s a much simpler way to achieve that succulent, finger-licking goodness right at home: your trusty slow cooker! This method is nearly effortless but yields results that are just as impressive as the more labor-intensive techniques.
Using your slow cooker not only saves time but also infuses the ribs with flavors so rich, your only regret will be not making more. Here’s how you can let your slow cooker do all the hard work with just a few simple ingredients and steps. Plus, if you’re up for it, making your own barbecue sauce in the slow cooker could elevate this dish even further—just remember to start that sauce a bit earlier to develop the flavors fully.
Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Pork Ribs
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds pork side ribs (about 2 racks)
- 2 (12-ounce) cans root beer
- 2 cups prepared barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Prep the Ribs:
Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. You can do this by sliding the back of a spoon underneath the membrane and then peeling it away with your fingers.
Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the ribs to give them a sweet and tenderizing bath.
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the ribs to become wonderfully tender.
Add the BBQ Sauce:
After cooking, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and discard the liquid.
Return the ribs to the slow cooker and slather them with your barbecue sauce, making sure they’re well coated.
Cook on high for another hour to let the sauce caramelize slightly and cling to the ribs.
Serving Suggestions:
Gently remove the ribs from the slow cooker and they’re ready to serve. For a little extra pizzazz and if you love the smoky flavor of grilled ribs, brush them with a bit more sauce and pop them under the broiler for a few minutes until they get nice and charred.
Pro Tip: The broiler step is a great trick to mimic the finish of grilled ribs, adding those delightful crispy edges and a touch of smokiness.
This Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Pork Ribs recipe is perfect for when you want the deliciousness of BBQ without the fuss. It’s a great dish for casual family dinners or for wowing guests at your next gathering. Enjoy the ease and the incredible flavors of your new favorite rib recipe!