How Long to Cook Pork Ribs in a Crockpot for Perfectly Tender Results

Cooking pork ribs in a crockpot is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to end up with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs By using the slow cooker, you can infuse the ribs with flavor and make them so tender that the meat just melts in your mouth

The exact cooking time needed will depend on a few factors, but in most cases pork ribs cook low and slow in the crockpot for 6-10 hours. While cooking times can vary a bit based on the size and cut of ribs, using a slow cooker means you don’t have to babysit the ribs or worry about overcooking. The crockpot does the work for you!

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to cook pork ribs to perfection in the slow cooker, including:

• The different cuts of pork ribs and how long each takes to cook
• How to prep ribs for the crockpot
• Tips for the best crockpot rib recipes
• How to tell when ribs are done
• Serving suggestions and side dishes

No matter which type of ribs you choose the crockpot makes it so easy to end up with mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs every time. Keep reading for my best tips and tricks!

The Different Cuts of Pork Ribs

There are a few different cuts of pork ribs to choose from The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the specific cut you select Here’s an overview of the most common options

Baby Back Ribs

• Cut from the upper rib cage near the spine
• More tender and lean compared to other rib cuts
• Usually have a curved shape
• Take 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high

Spare Ribs

• Cut from the belly side of the pig below the baby back ribs
• Meatier with more fat marbling compared to baby backs
• Typically rectangular in shape
• Take 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high

Country-style Ribs

• Cut from the upper rib cage like baby backs but usually meatier
• Shaped like rectangles rather than curved
• Take 7-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high

St. Louis-style Ribs

• The most rectangular spare ribs with the brisket bone and cartilage tips removed
• Take about as long as spare ribs, so 8-10 hours on low

As you can see, spare ribs and country-style ribs take a little longer than baby back ribs since they have more connective tissue. I recommend starting with the lower end of the time range and checking for doneness if cooking those cuts.

For any style of rib, cooking on low is ideal for breaking down the collagen and making the meat fall-apart tender. The tongs test is the best way to check for doneness which I’ll cover next.

Preparing Ribs for the Slow Cooker

Before popping your ribs in the crockpot, just a bit of prep will set you up for success:

• Remove the membrane – There is a thin, papery membrane on the underside of the ribs. Remove it before cooking so seasonings and sauce can penetrate the meat better. Just slide a knife under it to loosen it, then grab hold and peel it off.

• Season the ribs – For maximum flavor, season the ribs before cooking. A simple rub of salt, pepper and smoked paprika works great. You can also brush on sauce or a dry rub blend.

• Cut into sections (optional) – You can cook ribs whole or cut into individual ribs first. Cutting them makes it easier to check doneness and serve.

That’s all the prep needed! Add your seasoned ribs to the slow cooker, cover with sauce if using, put the lid on, and let the crockpot work its magic.

Best Sauces and Seasonings for Crockpot Ribs

One of the keys to amazing crockpot ribs is letting the low, moist heat tenderize the meat. You don’t need a lot of liquid. However, there are two easy ways to add flavor:

Dry Rub – A homemade or store-bought dry rub adds spice and crusty texture when cooked low and slow. Apply it before cooking.

Barbecue Sauce – Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on the ribs a few times during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to let the sauce caramelize.

You can also cook the ribs plain and just season with salt and pepper. The long cook time still makes them incredibly tender and flavorful.

If using barbecue sauce, go for something thick, sticky, and sweet to balance the pork. Adding spices like garlic, chili powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper amplifies the flavor.

How to Tell When Ribs Are Done in the Crockpot

It can be tricky to know when ribs are finished cooking, but these tips will help you test for doneness:

• Temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to check the middle of the ribs. They are safe to eat at 145°F but ideally should reach 195°F-205°F for pull-off-the-bone tenderness.

• Texture – Carefully grab an end bone with tongs and lift the ribs. Properly cooked ribs will bend and start to break when lifted.

• Toothpick test – Stick a toothpick into the meat between the bones. If it goes in very easily, the ribs are ready.

• Visual cues – The meat should have pulled back from the ends of the bones a bit when fully cooked.

When in doubt, it’s better to overcook than undercook since ribs need time to become tender. Cook for the higher end of the time range for your cut of ribs if unsure.

Serving and Side Dishes for Crockpot Ribs

Once your ribs are cooked through, there are a few ways to finish and serve them:

• Serve them as-is straight from the crock.

• For caramelized flavor, brush with barbecue sauce then broil for 3-5 minutes once cooked.

• For another layer of smoky flavor, throw them on the grill for a few minutes after slow cooking.

Ribs pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides:

• Corn on the cob
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Baked beans
• Collard greens
• Mac and cheese
• Cornbread or biscuits

Dip into any extra sauce for finger-licking, saucy ribs! Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. The meat releases moisture as it sits, so drain then pat dry before reheating.

Tips for Crockpot Rib Success

• Give them enough time. Be patient and cook for at least 6 hours on low, up to 10 for meatier cuts. The long cook makes them fall-apart tender.

• Resist peeking. Lifting the lid repeatedly increases cook time. Wait until the minimum time before checking doneness.

• Cut ribs apart for even cooking, especially if stacking.

• Add sauce near the end so it doesn’t burn.

• Use broth, sauce, or water to keep ribs moist if cooking longer than 8 hours.

• Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Sample Crockpot Rib Recipes

To get you started, here are a few outstanding crockpot rib recipes to consider:

Crockpot Ribs with Homemade Barbecue Sauce – Baby back ribs cooked with a homemade barbecue sauce are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs – Spare ribs made with a sticky, garlic-infused barbecue sauce that’s out of this world.

Cola Crockpot Ribs – An unusual recipe using cola as the braising liquid gives these spare ribs sweet flavor.

Asian Crockpot Ribs – With ginger, garlic, and teriyaki sauce, these country-style ribs have an Asian twist.

Crockpot Memphis Dry Rub Ribs – Baby backs coated in a zesty Memphis-style dry rub turn out so flavorful.

Cooking ribs in the slow cooker makes them incredibly tender with minimal effort on your part. Use the guidelines above to determine the cook time needed for different cuts of ribs. Season the meat, cover with your favorite sauce in the last 1-2 hours if desired, and cook on low heat for as long as your recipe specifies. Test for doneness with the tips provided, allow to rest, and serve!