Slow Cooker Ribs Apple Cider Vinegar

By - November 4, 2016, Updated July 22, 2021

overhead view of sliced bbq ribs on a parchment lined rack with a spoon of bbq sauce.

No smoker? No problem! These easy slow cooker BBQ ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and made with just a few simple ingredients. An optional finish on the grill gives them a smoky flavor and crisp edge. (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free)

I grew up eating real Texas BBQ on the weekends at my family lake house as a kid - brisket and ribs slow-smoked all day long in a large smoker filled with wood smoke. And while that's the ideal way to cook ribs, we don't all have smokers, or an entire day to watch meat cook on fire. For those of use without a real smoker (or even a backyard!), there's the slow cooker!

What You Came Here To Find Out: Slow Cooker Ribs Cook Time

Cook ribs on low heat for 8 hours in the slow cooker or crock pot. Keep reading for more information you may find helpful.

Why Make Ribs In The Slow Cooker?

If you don't have access to a smoker or charcoal grill, the slow cooker is the next best thing for cooking BBQ ribs. Why? Because it keeps a low, steady temperature for the ribs to slowly cook to tender perfection without drying out. And even better, you don't have to watch them for hours. You truly just set it and forget it!

straight on view of a section of cut bbq ribs on a piece of parchment.

Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Ribs

These BBQ baby back ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and simply delicious. An optional stint on the grill to finish gives the edges a beautiful char and a nice smoky flavor. These ribs are effortless, with just a few pantry ingredients and hands-off cooking for the majority of the time.

How To Make BBQ Ribs In The Slow Cooker

6 image collage showing steps for making bbq ribs in the slow cooker.

Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs by sliding a dull knife between the membrane and the first rib bone. Hold on tight with your hands and pull it back until you've removed the membrane from the entire rack.
Cut the rack in half and sprinkle generously with kosher salt, pepper and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over the outside of the ribs.
Add apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place ribs in, meat side up.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Remove ribs and brush with your favorite sauce. Either slice and enjoy them now, or finish them on the grill!

Finishing On The Grill

The slow cooker works its magic for super tender ribs, but if you really want a smoky flavor and the delicious crispy ends, finishing them on the grill is the way to go! Heat your grill to medium heat (you can use gas or charcoal). Place the ribs on the grill over direct heat for 10 minutes, then move to indirect heat for 5-10 minutes.

If you really want a wood smoke flavor, you can use wood chips while cooking on the grill. Soak wood chips for at least 30 minutes, then drain and place on a piece of foil over direct heat to generate smoke. Leave them on the grill while finishing the ribs. These smoke packets are also handy!

overhead view of sliced bbq ribs on a parchment lined rack with a spoon and jar of bbq sauce, pickles, and sliced onions.

Delicious Sides To Serve With BBQ Ribs

Mom's Mustard Potato Salad (Made Healthy)
Homemade Baked Beans
Homemade Texas Style Barbecue Sauce
The Best Easy Pinto Beans
Peach Avocado Caprese Salad
Everything Summer Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad
Healthy Skillet Cornbread

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

overhead view of sliced bbq ribs on a parchment lined rack with a spoon of bbq sauce.

Author: Kaleigh
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 ribs 1x
Category: main dish
Method: crockpot
Cuisine: American

1 rack baby back ribs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ cup barbecue sauce of choice
Wood chips (optional for finishing on grill)

Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs by sliding a dull knife (such as a butter knife) under the membrane along the first rib. Grab the membrane and pull back until you've removed it along the entire rack. Cut rack in half.
Generously sprinkle ribs with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over ribs.
Pour apple cider vinegar in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add ribs, meat side up, and close the lid. Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
Remove the ribs and brush with sauce.
Finish on the grill (optional): Heat grill to medium heat. Place ribs over direct heat, meat side up, and cook for 10 minutes. Move to indirect heat and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Remove ribs from grill, slice, and serve.

Notes

You really don't have to measure the salt, pepper, garlic and oil. I just included measurements as a reference point.
If you're really committed to a wood smoke flavor, you can use wood chips to generate smoke when you finish the ribs on the grill. Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and place on a piece of foil. At the edge of the grill while preheating to generate smoke. Keep the wood chips on the grill while finishing the ribs. These smoke packets are also really handy!
If necessary, check to make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: crock pot ribs, slow cooker ribs, easy slow cooker BBQ ribs

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