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.
How To Make Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
Step One: Seasoning
Sprinkle all sides of about 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, country style pork ribs with cajun seasoning.
Step Two: Slow Cooker
Spread one cup of barbecue sauce over the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seasoned ribs.
Step Three: BBQ Sauce
Top with another cup of barbecue sauce.
Step Four: Cook
Cover and cook for 5-6 on high or 6-8 on low, depending on your slow cooker, until fork tender.
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 CrockPot for 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 ribs but 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
- Cheesy Barbecue Dip
- Hawaiian Barbecue French Bread Pizza
- Pulled Pork Pizza
Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs boneless, country-style pork ribs
- ½ tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 2 ½ cups barbecue sauce divided
Instructions
- Sprinkle all sides of the boneless, country-style pork ribs with cajun seasoning.
- Spread one cup of barbecue sauce over the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the seasoned ribs.
- Top with another cup of barbecue sauce.
- Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, depending on your slow cooker, until fork tender.
- Remove from slow cooker and top with remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, if desired.
Amy K says
These were fantastic and fell right off the bone!
Jean Balassone says
Couldn’t be any easier than this recipe! I was dubious that 3 ingredients and six hands-off hours could yield fall-apart, moist & tender ribs. I was wrong! This will be my new go-to recipe. Thanks.
Linda Benadum says
Is their another I can use beside Cajun. My stomach can’t handle real spicy food.
Thanks
Tonia says
You can skip the cajun seasoning and just use the barbecue sauce.
Nannie Crawford says
My thoughts exactly. I can’t tolerate any spicy foods.
Barbara J Levee says
Some of my ribs, bottom layer cooked fall off the bone, the top and middle ribs were somewhat tough. I split 3 lb rack to fit oval 4 at slow cooker. Should I rotate next time? Cooked for 6 hours low.
Heather says
This recipe is for boneless ribs, that may have been your issue
Alex says
Can you use frozen country ribs or does it have to be thawed?
Tonia says
I would suggest thawing them first.
Bill Washington says
These ribs are easy to make and just down home delicious. I made them with boneless country ribs. can’t wait to try them with bone in ribs,
Thank you.
Joann says
Getting ready to put these in now for dinner tonight, but wondering is the time changes for doubling the recipe?
Tonia says
Hi Joann,
I would cook it for the same amount of time. Best of luck!
~Tonia
Dawn Holdren says
Sweet baby rays sauce was perfect! The ribs were tender and everyone loved them. Not worried about the corn syrup as we don’t use BBQ sauce that often.
Tom says
could I cook these without the bbq sauce first then drain off any fat/liquid then add bbq sauce during last 30 min. to an hour to lessen them being to liquidy?
Jessica says
That’s exactly what I do.
I pop the ribs into the crock pot on low for about 7 hours, with only a dry rub on them. Once the ribs are tender I take them out and put them in the oven with the bbq sauce on them for about a half hour.
I really like getting the bbq sauce slightly caramelized. 🤤
Sheron says
As said in another comment, your body processes HFC the same as regular sugar. Everything in moderation. You don’t have to max out on sugar every day. But spurge every now and then on something yummy like this recipe. I’ve been cooking country ribs in BBQ sauce in my ancient 40+ year-old crock pot for decades. I’m anxious to try this recipe with the added Cajun spice rub. Sounds delish!
Peter says
Delicious and so easy. Fell off the bone.
Peter says
Delicious and so easy. Fell off the bone.
Diane says
How much Cajun seasoning do you use. thanks
Tonia says
Hi Diane,
I don’t measure it but simply sprinkled it on so that it is lightly coated like you can see in the video. Add more if you like it spicy or less if you prefer it to be milder.
Enjoy!
~Tonia
Melissa says
Can you use bone in country style pork loin ribs?
Tonia says
Yes, you can use them as well. Enjoy!