Cooking ribs in a crockpot is convenient and simple to get tender and tasty meat. Using a crockpot enables the meat to cook slowly and take on the flavors of the sauce and cooking liquid. The low and slow cooking technique also aids in breaking the connective tissue in the ribs, producing fall-off-the-bone tender meat.
Generally, it takes 6-8 hours to cook ribs in a crockpot on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. However, these times may need to be adjusted based on the specific recipe and the size of the ribs.
To ensure the ribs are cooked to the optimum doneness and suitable for ingestion, it’s important to understand the ideal cooking time for various ribs.
How Long Should I Cook Ribs in a Crockpot?
The cooking time for ribs in a crockpot can vary depending on several factors, including the type of ribs, the size of the crockpot, and the cooking temperature. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours to cook ribs in a crockpot on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. However, these times may need to be adjusted based on the specific recipe and the size of the ribs.
To determine the appropriate cooking time for your ribs, follow the recipe closely and check the meat periodically to ensure it cooks evenly. Ribs should be cooked until tender and easily pulled away from the bone. The internal temperature of the meat should be at least 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Ribs in a Crockpot
Cooking ribs in a crockpot is a great way to achieve tender, flavorful meat without the hassle of grilling or smoking. However, the amount of time it takes to cook ribs in a crockpot can vary depending on several factors, including the type of ribs, the size of the crockpot, and the cooking temperature.
Here are the ingredients needed to cook tasty ribs in a crockpot:
- 3-4 pounds of ribs (baby back or spare)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of water
You can adjust the amount of sauce and seasoning to your taste preference. For extra flavor, you can add spices or ingredients like chili powder, cumin, or hot sauce.
Cooking Directions
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs and trim any excess fat. Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
- Mix the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour a layer of sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Add the ribs and coat them with the remaining sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water to thin it out.
- Cover the crockpot and cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of ribs and the size of your crockpot. Make sure the ribs are fully cooked and tender before serving.
- Once the ribs have finished cooking in the crockpot, you can place them on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for three to five minutes to make them crispier and caramelize the sauce. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the crockpot and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them. Serve them with extra sauce and your favorite sides, like coleslaw, baked beans, or mashed potatoes.
If you prefer your ribs to have a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce or rub the ribs with a dry rub seasoning before adding the sauce.
What Is the Perfect Temperature for Ribs Cooked in a Crockpot?
Low and slow is the ideal cooking temperature for ribs in a crockpot. Low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours is advised for most recipes. Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
The ribs may not have the same level of sear and caramelization as oven-baked or grilled ribs because they are cooked in liquid in a crockpot. It’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
| Type of Ribs | Cooking Time on Low Heat | Cooking Time on High Heat | Temperature |
| Pork Baby Back Ribs | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours | 145-160°F (63-71°C) |
| Pork Spare Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 145-160°F (63-71°C) |
| Beef Short Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 195-200°F (91-93°C) |
| Beef Back Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 195-200°F (91-93°C) |
| Beef Chuck Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 195-200°F (91-93°C) |
| Lamb Ribs | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours | 145-160°F (63-71°C) |
| Venison Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 145-160°F (63-71°C) |
| Bison Ribs | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours | 145-160°F (63-71°C) |
It’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, so it’s always best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
What Is the Doneness Level for Ribs Cooked in a Crockpot?
Again, it’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, so it’s always best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The temperatures listed in the table above are only a rough guideline, and some chefs may prefer their ribs to be cooked to different temperatures based on personal preference.
It’s important to note that the doneness level can also depend on personal preference, and some people may prefer their ribs to be a little more or less tender. However, the general idea is that the ribs should be cooked until tender and pulled away from the bone easily, indicating that they are fully cooked and ready to eat.
Can I cook ribs on high heat in a crockpot to save time?
You can cook ribs on high heat in a crockpot to save time. However, cooking on low heat is recommended for more tender, flavorful ribs.
How do I know when the ribs are done cooking in a crockpot?
You can check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. Ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
Can I add barbecue sauce to the ribs while cooking in a crockpot?
You can add barbecue sauce to the ribs while cooking in a crockpot. However, adding the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking is recommended to prevent burning or sticking.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Ribs in a Crockpot?
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds of ribs (baby back or spare)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs and trim any excess fat. Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
- Mix the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour a layer of sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Add the ribs and coat them with the remaining sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water to thin it out.
- Cover the crockpot and cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of ribs and the size of your crockpot. Make sure the ribs are fully cooked and tender before serving.
- Once the ribs have finished cooking in the crockpot, you can place them on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for three to five minutes to make them crispier and caramelize the sauce. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the crockpot and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them. Serve them with extra sauce and your favorite sides, like coleslaw, baked beans, or mashed potatoes.
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Notes
Conclusion
While cooking ribs in a crockpot may take longer than other cooking methods, such as grilling or smoking, the hands-off approach allows easy preparation and frees up time for other activities. Additionally, the low and slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb flavors and become tender, resulting in delicious and satisfying ribs.
When cooking ribs in a crockpot, selecting the right cut of meat is important, as using a flavorful seasoning or marinade and adjusting the cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired level of tenderness.
