Ingredients:
- 2 cups high-quality barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 to 5 pounds baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
Instructions:
- In a large zip-top bag, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Seal the bag and massage gently to mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the ribs to the bag, seal, and shake vigorously to coat evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor (optional but recommended).
- Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray. Place the marinated ribs inside, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour half of the remaining marinade from the bag over the ribs, ensuring they’re well-covered.
- Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 8-9 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. For firmer ribs that stay on the bone, cook on LOW for 7 hours.
- For a caramelized finish, preheat your broiler. Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and brush with reserved marinade. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
- Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side, alongside classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
These slow-cooker BBQ ribs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. The tender, flavorful meat and sticky-sweet glaze will have everyone asking for seconds!
