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The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs (Made With Dr. Pepper)

The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs (Made With Dr. Pepper)

  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These slow cooker BBQ ribs feature tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed in a sweet and savory sauce made with your favorite BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper. The soda adds subtle caramel notes and depth that make these ribs taste like they’ve been smoking all day.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this recipe requires minimal prep work and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. The result is consistently tender, juicy ribs that rival any barbecue restaurant.

Ingredients

  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs, about 2 to 2.5 pounds, membrane removed from the back
  • 1 heaping cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade version
  • 12 ounces Dr. Pepper, the soda is key to achieving that signature flavor
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste before cooking
  • Optional dry rub spices, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for extra depth

Instructions

  1. Remove the Membrane: Flip the rack of ribs over and use a small knife to loosen the thin membrane on the back, then peel it away completely. This allows the slow cooker liquid to penetrate the meat and keeps the ribs tender throughout.
  2. Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If you're using a dry rub, apply it now for extra flavor dimension.
  3. Arrange in the Slow Cooker: Place the ribs in your slow cooker, curved side down, cutting them if needed to fit comfortably without overlapping.
  4. Mix the Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the heaping cup of BBQ sauce and the 12 ounces of Dr. Pepper until well combined. The soda's carbonation will cook off, leaving behind a rich, caramelized glaze.
  5. Pour Over the Ribs: Evenly distribute the sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure to coat all sides as much as possible. Some sauce will pool at the bottom, which is exactly what you want.
  6. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. The ribs will transform into incredibly tender meat that pulls away from the bone with minimal effort.
  7. Check for Doneness: Around the 6-hour mark, pierce the meat with a fork to test tenderness. The meat should easily pull from the bone when fully cooked.
  8. Optional Finishing Technique: If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, remove the ribs carefully with tongs, drain about half the liquid from the slow cooker, then return the ribs and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  9. Remove the Ribs: Using tongs or two large forks, gently transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to a cutting board, being careful not to tear the meat.
  10. Brush with Extra Sauce: Spoon some of the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the ribs for an extra glossy finish. You can also reduce the sauce on the stovetop if you prefer a thicker consistency.
  11. Cut and Serve: Slice the rack between the bones into individual ribs and arrange on a serving platter. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://dinnerwithamy.com/the-best-slow-cooker-bbq-ribs-made-with-dr-pepper/