Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs Recipe (2024)

Published: Mar 30, 2017 · Modified: May 9, 2020 by Tonia Larson

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs recipe is so easy to make and only requires three ingredients. The result is fork tender, delicious BBQ ribs!

This recipe is inspired by my friend Becky who made this kind of BBQ ribs for me and my kids.

When our kids were little and our husbands would be away for work, we used to get together for dinner in the evening. It was fun to cook for each other and the kids enjoyed playing together.

Before she made these slow cooker barbecue ribs for me, I never realized there was such a thing as country style boneless ribs and now I prefer them because they are easier to eat.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn morehere.

How To Make Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Step One

Sprinkle all sides of about 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, country style pork ribs with cajun seasoning.

Step Two

Spread one cup of barbecue sauce over the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seasoned ribs.

Step Three

Top with another cup of barbecue sauce.

Step Four

Cover and cook for 5-6 on high or 6-8 on low, depending on your slow cooker, until fork tender.

Step Five

Remove the barbecue ribs from the slow cooker and top with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

The slow cooker barbecue ribs were fork-tender and full of flavor!

Try serving these barbecue ribs with oven roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs FAQs

1. What size slow cooker should I use?

I used my 3.5-quart oval CrockPotfor this post but they work just as well in my 6-quart CrockPot.

2. Can I use beef ribs instead? Yes! I typically buy the country style pork ribsbut have accidentally purchased the country style beef ribs and they’ve turned out great as well.

3. Can I use bone-in country style ribs? Yes, they will work just as well.

4. What brand of barbecue sauce did you use? I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce but any brand or even your homemade barbecue sauce can be used instead.

5. Can I make more than 2.5 pounds of slow cooker barbecue ribs at once? Yes! Just add more ribs and more barbecue sauce. Unless you really stuff your crockpot, the cooking time should be about the same.

6. Can I add the barbecue sauce AFTER cooking the ribs instead of BEFORE? Yes. Season the ribs and put them in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of water. Cook the ribs, drain the water, and then add the barbecue sauce.

7. How can I make gluten-free slow cooker barbecue ribs? Make sure the cajun seasoning is gluten-free or make your own seasoning mix. Also, use a gluten free barbecue sauce.

8. Do you have any tips for lessening the extra liquid from condensation? Try removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or drape a couple of paper towels over the crock pot before adding the lid like in the image above.

Made too many slow cooker barbecue ribs?

Shed the leftover barbecue ribs and use them in one of the following recipes.

Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Tacos from The Gunny Sack:A Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Taco is easy to make and full of flavor. This walking taco recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at a backyard bash or party.

Barbecue Pork Fried Rice from Mantitlement:This just isn’t your averagepork friedrice recipe, it’s BBQ Pork Fried Rice! If you have leftover pork from last night’s dinner, this is going to be perfect!

Cheesy Barbecue Dip from The Gunny Sack:Everyone loves dip recipes and this Cheesy Barbecue Dip will be a big hit! It’s easy to make and the addition of barbecue pork or chicken makes it more hearty.

Pulled Pork Salad from Anthony In The Kitchen: Turn leftover pulled pork into an easy salad featuring shredded lettuce, cabbage, french fried onions, a tangy barbecue dressing and more!

Hawaiian Barbecue French Bread Pizza from The Gunny Sack:Hawaiian Barbecue French Bread Pizza recipe is easy to make in the oven or on the grill. Serve it as an appetizer or enjoy as a family dinner.