Ready for the most mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs ever? This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) takes a humble rack of ribs and showers them in a gloriously sweet, smoky brown sugar spice rub before letting them luxuriate in the slow cooker all day. The finishing touch—a sticky lacquer of BBQ sauce, lovingly broiled or grilled to caramelized perfection—means you get all the flavor of barbecue pit ribs with a fraction of the work. Whether you’ve been rib-shy or rib-obsessed, this recipe is about to become your go-to for any gathering, lazy weekend, or just when you’re craving effortless comfort food magic.

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are what take Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) from simple to sensational. Each one plays an important role in boosting flavor, tenderness, or that irresistible sticky and savory finish.

Pork ribs: Opt for either baby back or St. Louis-style spareribs—both are richly meaty and work perfectly for this slow-cooked classic.
Onion powder: Adds a warm, subtle sweetness and rounds out the barbecue flavor.
Granulated garlic: For depth and a mild garlicky kick that lingers just enough.
Smoked paprika: Essential for the smoky BBQ aroma and beautiful reddish color.
Kosher salt: Brings all those spices to life and helps tenderize the meat.
Black pepper: Just a touch for a gentle bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Brown sugar: This is the secret to caramelization and that sticky, sweet crust—don’t skip it!
Prepared BBQ sauce: Go with your favorite store brand or homemade—this is the glossy, luscious final layer.
Water: Just a splash creates steam in the slow cooker and helps ensure ultra-juicy ribs.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)

Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Spice Rub

Start off strong by whisking together onion powder, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This mix is the very soul of Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)—it’s bold, earthy, sweet, and smoky. Make sure everything is evenly combined, so every bit of rib gets maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare and Rub the Ribs

Pat your ribs dry with paper towels—no extra moisture means the rub sticks beautifully! Next, cut each rack into 3- to 4-rib sections so they’ll nestle nicely in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown sugar rub generously over every surface and gently press it in with your hands for the very best flavor crust.

Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Pour about one-third of a cup of water into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Now, arrange the rubbed rib sections upright along the sides of the crock, thick ends down and meaty sides against the crock. This simple trick helps cook them evenly and lets all that spice meld right into every bite.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Place the lid on your slow cooker and choose your adventure: High for 3 to 5 hours, or low for 4 to 8 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with ribs that are meltingly tender yet strong enough to hold together until their final saucy finish.

Step 5: Finish in the Oven or on the Grill

Here’s where the magic happens. Oven: Preheat your broiler, slide the ribs onto a foil-lined baking sheet, and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Broil about 4 inches from the heat for 5 minutes, just until bubbling and charred at the edges. Grill: Prefer the outdoors? Grill your sauced ribs, meaty side down, over medium-high heat until the sauce caramelizes in spots. Either way, rest the ribs under foil for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with even more sauce.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or even a scatter of thinly sliced green onions gives your Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) a burst of color and a nice herbal pop. Sprinkle sesame seeds or a twist of freshly ground black pepper on top for an extra-special touch.

Side Dishes

No BBQ feast is complete without the right sides. Pair your ribs with classic coleslaw, buttery cornbread, smoky baked beans, or a vibrant ear of grilled corn. For a lighter touch, a bright, crunchy salad helps balance those rich, fall-apart ribs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your backyard spread into a rib-lover’s dream: Pile the sliced ribs high on a rustic platter over a bed of fresh greens, and ring them with ramekins of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Try serving as sliders on soft rolls with tangy pickles for a party-ready twist on Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (hard to imagine!), simply wrap them tightly in foil or place them in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mellow overnight, making leftover Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) a treat for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled ribs in a single layer separated by parchment, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their tenderness and BBQ punch for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To keep that tender juiciness, reheat ribs in a covered foil packet in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water and a brush of extra BBQ sauce for moisture. The microwave works for quick bites, but the oven preserves that irresistible texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby back and St. Louis-style ribs are traditional, country-style pork ribs also work well and become just as tender in the slow cooker. Adjust cooking times if your pieces are particularly thick.

What BBQ sauce is best for Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)?

Your favorite store-bought sauce is perfect here—choose one with a good balance of sweetness and tang. If you have a homemade recipe you love, this is the time to show it off!

Should I remove the membrane from the ribs before cooking?

Yes! For the most tender, flavorful ribs, use a small knife to loosen and peel away the silvery membrane from the back of each rib rack before seasoning. This allows the rub and sauce to penetrate every bite.

Can I prep these ribs the night before?

Absolutely, and they’ll be even tastier! Apply the rub and refrigerate the sections overnight for the spices to really soak in before you start cooking them in the morning.

Is it okay to cook the ribs on high the entire time?

Yes, using the high setting for 3–5 hours will still yield deliciously tender ribs. Just check after about 3 hours for doneness, as some slow cookers run hotter than others.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a platter of Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub)—the irresistible aroma, the sticky, caramelized outside, and that first juicy bite. If you’ve ever wanted BBQ perfection at home without all the fuss, this is your dream come true. Don’t wait: grab some ribs, set your slow cooker, and let the anticipation build. You’re going to love every delicious, saucy moment!

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs (w/ Brown Sugar Rub) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

These Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs are a delightfully tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a simple brown sugar rub and a finishing touch on the grill or in the oven, these ribs are perfectly seasoned and fall-off-the-bone delicious.

Author: moretti
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Grilling, Oven-Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Sugar Rub:

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
4 tablespoons brown sugar

Ribs:

2 2½ – 3 pound racks pork ribs, such as baby back ribs or St. Louis-style spareribs (5–6 pounds total)
½ cup prepared BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

Make the Spice Rub: Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl, stirring to combine.
Prepare the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then cut into 3- to 4-ribs per section so that they will fit into the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar rub, pressing it into the meaty parts.
Add ⅓ cup water to a 6-quart oval slow cooker. Arrange the ribs upright in the slow cooker with the thick ends pointing down and meaty side against the sides, overlapping as needed.
Cover and cook on high for 3-5 hours, or low for 4-8 hours, or until the meat is very tender but not yet quite falling off the bone.
Finish in the Oven: Adjust the oven rack 4 inches from the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil, then transfer the ribs, meaty-side-up, to the prepared sheet. Brush evenly with half the BBQ sauce, then broil until the sauce is bubbling and beginning to char, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush with remaining sauce, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut ribs between bones to separate and serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Finish on the Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush the ribs evenly with half the sauce, then transfer the cooked ribs to the grill, meaty-side-down. Grill uncovered for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and just beginning to char—watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from the grill, brush with remaining sauce, and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving with extra BBQ sauce, if you like.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the spice rub overnight before cooking.
Adjust the sweetness of the ribs by adding more or less brown sugar to the rub.
Make sure to let the ribs rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.