Crockpot Spare Ribs

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

These Crockpot Spare Ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and so tasty! This is an easy, no-fuss recipe where the slow cooker does all the work.

May is National Grilling Month. I LOVE grilling season. In fact, I’ve dedicated an entire category to it. Here are some of my favorite grilling recipes. There are so many amazing things to grill but, I, unfortunately, don’t always have the time to stand outside and babysit whatever it is I am making that day. That is where these Crockpot Spare Ribs come in. 

Crockpot Short Ribs

These ribs are literally fall off the bone delicious. Do you know the kind of ribs that are full of flavor and just melt in your mouth? Yep, these spare ribs made in the slow cooker are that kind of ribs. 

Let the crockpot do the work for you. Throw the beef spare ribs in the crockpot

and walk away. That’s it! You will return to a house that smells amazing and a comfort meal that tastes just as good as though you had grilled it. 

Your family will love these spare ribs and will never guess just how easy they were to make in the crockpot! Don’t worry, I won’t tell, it will be our little secret! 😉 

Why are my spare ribs so tough?

It is most likely because they did not cook long enough. Getting them to the point where they are so tender they melt in your mouth is a process. So be patient and cook them for a good long time. They should reach an internal temperature of about 180-205 degrees Fahrenheit over a low and slow cooking method. Basically they need to be cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time. 

How do you know when spare ribs are done?

According to the USDA, ribs are finished cooking when they reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they are not really done at this point in my opinion. They are still too tough. Cook them longer until they reach 180-205 degrees Fahrenheit and that’s where the magic happens. At this point, they are tender and juicy. 

How to make Crockpot Spare Ribs:

1. First, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Cut the ribs so they fit in your crockpot then pat dry with paper towels and massage the dry rub into the ribs on both sides. 
2. Place the ribs into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-9 hours. 
3. Finally, 45 minutes before the timer goes off, brush ½ cup of barbecue sauce over the ribs. 

Cook’s Note – Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe:

• Use your favorite homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce for this recipe. I personally like Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce. 
• Note that you’ll need to spread barbecue sauce on these ribs 45 minutes before they’re finished. That’s pretty much all of the babysitting you’ll need to do with these ribs. 

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. 

Cook’s Tools:

• Large Slow Cooker
• Basting Brush – I use this for spreading sauce on meat like these ribs. I also use it for brushing butter and egg whites baked goods. It’s made of silicone and it’s easy to clean.

How much will this recipe cost? 

RECIPE COST: $12.66

PER SERVING COST: $2.11

NOTE: The recipe prices are used calculating name brand products from Walmart’s website. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what your pantry is already stocked with and current grocery prices. 

• 4.5 pounds spare pork ribs $11.60
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder $0.10
• 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika $0.31
• 1 teaspoon chili powder $0.03
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin $0.03
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar $0.06
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander $0.09
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper $0.07
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce $0.36
• 1 teaspoon salt $0.01

What to Serve with Crockpot Spare Ribs:

• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
• Creamy Homemade Coleslaw
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Healthy Mashed Cauliflower
• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• Panera’s Mac and Cheese
• Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

These Crockpot Spare Ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and so tasty! This is an easy, no-fuss recipe where the slow cooker does all the work.