Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired — but leave a little for flavor and moisture.
Place them directly into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Sauce & Vinegar
Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the ribs.
Add the apple cider vinegar.
Gently turn the ribs to coat them well. Don’t worry about perfection — the slow cooker will do the rest.
Step 3: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook:
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LOW: 7–8 hours
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HIGH: 4–5 hours
They’re ready when the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
The aroma filling your kitchen at this point? Incredible.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Caramelized Finish
This step is optional — but highly recommended.
Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with extra BBQ sauce.
Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until glossy, sticky, and slightly caramelized.
That bubbling sauce? Absolute perfection.
What to Serve With These Ribs
🥗 Creamy coleslaw
🥔 Buttery mashed potatoes
🫘 Baked beans
🥖 Soft sandwich buns with pickles
🥦 Roasted green beans or carrots
🥬 Fresh garden salad
Or serve straight from the slow cooker and let everyone grab what they want. Family-style always feels extra cozy.
Tips for Perfect Ribs
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Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar — it balances sweetness and tenderizes
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Avoid lifting the lid while cooking (it releases heat)
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If sauce seems thin at the end, broil to thicken
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Flavor deepens overnight — leftovers are amazing
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in sauce up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F covered with foil, or in a saucepan over low heat.
General Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–8 hours
Total Time: Hands-off cooking
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect For: Weeknights, potlucks, family dinners
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef ribs?
Yes, but reduce the liquid slightly and begin checking for tenderness earlier.
What if my BBQ sauce is too sweet?
Add 1 tablespoon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to balance it.
Can I add onions or garlic?
Absolutely! They aren’t required for tenderness but add great flavor depth.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — and they’re even better the next day.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fat: 26g
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Sugar: 14g
Values vary depending on BBQ sauce used.
Conclusion
This recipe isn’t fancy. It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require a long ingredient list or special techniques.
It’s honest comfort food — the kind that makes people request it again and again.
Three ingredients. One slow cooker. A table full of happy faces.
If you loved this easy dinner, you might also enjoy:
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken
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5-Ingredient BBQ Meatballs
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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
