Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Pork Ribs

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, especially when they’ve been slowly infused with rich, smoky flavors. This Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of slow-cooked BBQ but want to keep things simple. With a blend of aromatic spices and a splash of root beer, the ribs become juicy and flavorful while cooking low and slow.

And let’s not forget the homemade BBQ sauce—it’s a true game-changer. Made with a combination of sautéed onions, a hint of chipotle, and more root beer for a sweet and tangy kick, this sauce perfectly complements the savory ribs. The finishing touch? A quick broil in the oven to caramelize that sauce, giving you those mouthwatering, sticky edges that make BBQ ribs irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or simply looking for a hearty dinner that requires minimal active time, this recipe has you covered. It’s a fantastic balance of rich, smoky, and sweet flavors, all while letting the slow cooker do most of the work. Get ready to serve up a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who like their ribs saucy!

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Ribs

• Set It and Forget It: Using a slow cooker means you can prep the ribs, set the timer, and go about your day.
• Juicy and Tender: Cooking the ribs low and slow makes them incredibly tender, with the meat practically falling off the bone.
• Sweet & Smoky Flavor: The root beer adds a subtle sweetness to both the ribs and the sauce, perfectly balanced by the spices.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, these ribs are sure to be a hit.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the chipotle in adobo for a little kick or tone it down for a milder taste.

Ingredients Notes

• Pork Baby Back Ribs: Baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe because they are leaner and cook beautifully in the slow cooker. Be sure to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs to allow the seasoning to fully penetrate.
• Root Beer: This adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the meat and the sauce. If you prefer, you can swap it out for cola or Dr. Pepper.
• Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: It adds a smoky, spicy kick to the BBQ sauce. If you like things milder, remove the seeds or use a smaller amount.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness of the sauce with a bit of tang, helping to cut through the richness of the ribs.

How to Make Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Ribs

Preparation of Ribs:

1. Mix the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika.
2. Prepare the Ribs: Make sure the membrane is removed from the back of the ribs for better seasoning absorption. Generously rub the spice mix over the meaty sides of the ribs.

Setting the Slow Cooker:

3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour in 1/2 cup of root beer. Position the seasoned ribs on top of the onions. Cut the ribs as needed to fit in the cooker.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, depending on your schedule.

Sauce Preparation:

5. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped onions and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
6. Reduce the Root Beer: Add 1 cup of root beer to the pan and bring to a boil. Let it reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced chipotle in adobo sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer and Blend: Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Let it cool slightly, then blend until smooth with an immersion blender or a regular blender. Store in the fridge if not using immediately.

Broiling the Ribs:

9. Preheat the Broiler: Once the ribs are done in the slow cooker, preheat your oven’s broiler and position a rack 4-6 inches from the heat.
10. Transfer and Sauce the Ribs: Carefully transfer the tender ribs onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.
11. Broil: Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving:

12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ribs hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage Options

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven from frozen, covered, at 300°F for about 20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice Adjustments: For a sweeter rub, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the spice mixture. To increase the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Different Sodas: Experiment with different sodas like Dr. Pepper or cola for a unique twist on the sauce.
• Grill Finish: Instead of broiling, finish the ribs on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side for a smoky, caramelized crust.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Ribs are a delicious way to enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone meat without all the fuss. The blend of sweet root beer and smoky spices creates a flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for when you want a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. So fire up that slow cooker and treat yourself to a plate of these finger-licking ribs!

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Tender, flavorful baby back ribs cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, then finished under the broiler for a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. The homemade sauce, with a touch of root beer and chipotle, adds a rich and smoky flavor.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course, Slow Cooker Recipes

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 6 people

Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 racks pork baby back ribs trimmed
• 1 large onion yellow or white, sliced
• 1/2 cup root beer
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups onion finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
• 1 cup root beer
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
• 1 tablespoon minced chipotle in adobo sauce seeds removed for less heat
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Prepare the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix together salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs—this helps the seasoning soak in better. Rub the spice blend all over the meaty side of the ribs, making sure it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor.
• Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the root beer over them. Lay the seasoned ribs on top of the onions, cutting them into smaller sections if needed so they fit snugly in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, depending on what works best for your schedule.
• Make the BBQ Sauce: While the ribs are cooking, start the BBQ sauce. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the root beer and bring to a boil, letting it reduce by half—this takes about 5-7 minutes. Mix in the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced chipotle, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
• Blend the Sauce: Once the sauce has cooled slightly, blend it using a blender or immersion blender until smooth. If you’re not using it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for later.
• Broil the Ribs: When the ribs are done in the slow cooker, preheat the broiler and place a rack about 4-6 inches from the heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the baking sheet—they’ll be super tender, so handle with care! Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce gets bubbly and caramelized. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
• Serve: Serve the ribs hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat!

Notes

For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce while simmering.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcal

Keyword baby back ribs, BBQ sauce, root beer, slow cooker, smoky ribs

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