Crock-Pot Barbecue Ribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender, flavorful barbecue ribs cooked slowly in a crock-pot, infused with smoky sauce and savory onion, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lb. spareribs
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 16 oz. bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper.
  2. Place ribs in a broiler pan under the broiler for 30 minutes to brown and remove excess fat.
  3. Slice ribs into serving size pieces and put in the crock-pot.
  4. Add sliced onion to the crock-pot.
  5. Pour barbecue sauce over the ribs and onion.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs overnight in the barbecue sauce before cooking. If you're short on time, use pre-sliced onions or even add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang. For a different twist, try using a sweet barbecue sauce or a spicy variety to cater to your taste. Always trim excess fat for healthier ribs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tender ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. They also pair wonderfully with Dill Pickels for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider offering Linda'S Fruit Salad for a sweet contrast to the savory ribs. Don’t forget to have extra barbecue sauce on hand for dipping!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but this may make the ribs less tender.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crock-Pot Barbecue Ribs contains roughly 205 calories, with 11g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2346mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

205 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.3g 23% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 10% DV
Carbs 23.4g 8% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 12.8g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2346.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 266.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 27.1mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 42.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby back ribs instead of spareribs?

Yes, you can definitely use baby back ribs instead. They tend to be leaner and cook a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Check for tenderness after 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low to ensure they don’t dry out.

What can I serve with these barbecue ribs?

These barbecue ribs go great with traditional sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread. For a light touch, serve with a refreshing salad like Linda'S Fruit Salad. You can also include a side of Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce for a sweet balance.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! You can freeze the leftover ribs for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, and they’ll still taste delicious when warmed back up!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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