Gram’s Crockpot Spare Ribs

These Crockpot Spare Ribs are meaty, filling, and so tender. Enjoy them for dinner, and have leftovers that taste even better than they did on the first night. Add carrots and potatoes for a hearty meal fit for a cold winter day or in the summer when you don’t want to turn on your oven!

This Spare Ribs recipe can really go a long way, especially if you have multiple things you need to do today.

That’s why I decided to make my own. I looked at multiple ways of making spare ribs, and I didn’t realize there were that many. I’ve decided that the slow cooker spare ribs are the best way to go! It’s certainly the easiest method!

Handed down from my grandmother, I discovered this treasure in my mother’s box full of wonderful recipes after she passed away. That was over 30 years ago and I’ve been making them ever since. It’s a great family dinner to have in my arsenal since the whole family loves these tender ribs!

And is it a slow cooker or a crockpot? I guess it’s for you to decide. 

Why you’ll love this easy recipe for Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

These are the best slow cooker ribs! I LOVE them because they are so darn easy to make! You only need about a 30-minute prep in the morning and dinner is good to go when you walk in the door from a busy day. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Sure, you could just pour a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce over some ribs before cooking and call it good, but this vinegar-based sauce is so flavorful, you’ll want to make your own sauce every time!

The best part is that cooking ribs low and slow in a crockpot makes them so tender and juicy. You really can’t get the same result as you do with crock pot ribs with other cooking methods. At least, you can’t get those results without tons more work!

Types of Pork Ribs

You might wonder if you can use a different style of ribs in this recipe. The short answer is “yes” because this recipe will work with all different types of ribs. However, you will get a different taste and texture based on which kind of ribs you use.

Pork ribs have three basic cuts—back ribs, spare ribs, and country-style ribs.

Baby Back Pork Ribs: Butchers cut these lean and tender ribs from the top of the rib cage. They are shorter than spare ribs.

Spare Ribs: These ribs are richer in flavor. They are cut from the belly and have longer bones and less meat than baby back ribs.

St. Louis style Ribs: This kind of rib is actually a specific cut of spare ribs, cut in a uniform rectangular shape. It’s named after the area where this cut became popular.

Country Style Pork Ribs: This rib is the meatiest, mostly because it isn’t actually a rib at all! It’s more of a pork chop cut from an area near the shoulder blade.

Now, as to which kind of ribs are the best ribs? I guess you’ll have to choose your favorite!

Why are these ribs called Crockpot “Spare” ribs?

You might think the word “spare” refers to an “extra” rib. But in this case, spare ribs comes from a German word that translates to “speared ribs”, as in meat traditionally cooked on a spear or spit.

Is it “Spare Ribs” or “Spareribs”?

You might have your own favorite way of referring to this rack of ribs! But in our ever-confusing English language, it is equally acceptable to call them “spare ribs” (two words) or “spareribs” (one word). I’ll stick with two in this post.

Why choose a Slow Cooker for these delicious ribs?

All kinds of ribs have the most flavor and are most tender when cooked slowly over low heat. And with crockpot ribs, you can fix it and forget it!

Ingredients for Crockpot Spare Ribs

To make about three pounds of slow cooker ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients (see recipe card for detailed amounts):

Boneless ribs

Chopped onion

Lemon juice

White vinegar

Worcestershire sauce

Light brown sugar

Water

Chili sauce

Salt

Ground black pepper

Carrots

Potatoes

How to make the best Slow Cooker Pork Ribs

This is such an easy ribs recipe! Follow these simple steps:

Prepare: Turn the crockpot on low, and cut ribs into single servings. You can line your crockpot or spray with cooking spray to help with cleanup. Peel carrots and potatoes, then cut them into thirds then halves again.

Sear: Prepare a large skillet by coating it with cooking spray. Place the ribs into the skillet over high heat and brown all sides. It should only take a couple of minutes on each side.

Fill: Place half of the carrots and potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the spare ribs on top in a single layer. Cover the ribs with the remaining carrots and potatoes.

Blend: In a blender, combine onion, lemon juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Blend on high until ingredients combine completely. Evenly distribute the sauce over the meat, carrots, and potatoes in the crockpot.

Cook: Let the meal cook for 8-10 hours on low heat. You can also cook on high for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. These slow-cooked ribs should be fork tender and ready for dinner time. We love when everything is blended together, so you get the flavor from all of the ingredients in every bite!

Tips and tricks to help you enjoy those Crockpot Spare Ribs even more!

Place the 6 tablespoons of water into the empty chili jar, shake, and add to the blender. This will remove the remaining contents from the jar and you won’t have to rinse it to recycle it!

You can also bake this recipe in a large glass pan or casserole dish, but keep in mind that I have not had them or made baked spare ribs. So, you’re on your own! 

Refrigerate leftover ribs in an airtight container. They will keep for 3-4 days. Cooked ribs may also be frozen and kept for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before reheating.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

I actually have a large selection of slow cooker meals here, and I’m always making more, so be sure to watch for them!

This Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Roast is delicious when shredded. Serve it in lettuce wraps for a bit different take on a pot roast.

Need to bring something to that game day party? Try this great recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s perfect for everything from crackers and chips to veggies!

I also love making sandwiches from shredded meat, and this Crockpot BBQ Root Beer Chicken is perfect for that! Serve them with potato salad on top- trust me! It’s weird but good!

Can’t get enough ribs? Try these recipes:

If you loved the crockpot spare ribs, you’ll love these recipes too!

BBQ Spare Ribs

Braised Short Ribs

Honey Mustard Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Chili Verde with Polenta

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This post was originally published on March 14, 2012. It has been updated in format and with pictures on July 2, 2025.

The post Gram’s Crockpot Spare Ribs appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.