Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pork Ribs 🍖These tender, sweet-and-savory ribs require minimal prep and turn out fall-apart delicious thanks to slow cooking.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 3–4 lbs (1.4–1.8 kg) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
(For a true 4-ingredient version, use ribs, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and your favorite seasoning blend instead of separate spices.)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it is still attached.
- Cut the ribs into sections that fit your slow cooker.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the flavors
- Rub the brown sugar over the ribs.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker and coat with barbecue sauce.
- Slow cook
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
- The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.
- Cover and cook:
- Optional finishing step
- For a caramelized glaze, place ribs on a baking sheet, brush with extra barbecue sauce, and broil for 2–4 minutes until slightly sticky and browned.
Serving Ideas
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
Tip: Avoid adding too much liquid—the ribs release their own juices as they cook, and too much sauce or water can make the flavor less concentrated.
