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Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Ribs

These Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Ribs are tender, sticky, sweet, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor. The slow cooker makes them easy while the quick broil at the end gives them that irresistible caramelized finish everyone loves.
Print Recipe
Delicious BBQ ribs served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich barbecue sauce, perfect for a comfort.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (12 oz) can root beer
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prep and Season the Ribs - Start by patting the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and keeps the sauce from getting watery. Sprinkle both sides of the ribs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like to really rub the seasoning in with my hands so every bite has flavor. If your rack of ribs is too large for the slow cooker, just cut it into smaller sections so everything fits comfortably.
  • Step 2: Make the Root Beer BBQ Sauce - In a medium bowl combine the root beer, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until smooth. Right away you will notice how rich and sweet the sauce smells. That root beer blends into the barbecue sauce in the best way possible. It smells like summer cookouts and comfort food all at once.
  • Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker - Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. Pour about half of the sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are coated well. Save the remaining sauce for later because that is what gives the ribs their sticky caramelized finish at the end. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let everything cook low and slow until the ribs are tender.
  • Step 4: Cook Until Tender - Cook the ribs on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. I personally prefer LOW because the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. By the time they are done your kitchen will smell amazing. The ribs should be so tender that you need to handle them carefully when removing them from the slow cooker.
  • Step 5: Broil for That Sticky Finish - Line a baking sheet with foil and carefully transfer the ribs onto it. Brush the ribs generously with the remaining barbecue sauce mixture along with a little sauce from the slow cooker. Place the ribs under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized around the edges. Keep a close eye on them because the sugars in the sauce can brown quickly.
  • Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy - Brush the ribs with one more layer of sauce before serving. That final coat makes them extra glossy and flavorful. Serve them warm with plenty of napkins because these ribs are gloriously messy in the best possible way.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Spare ribs instead of baby back ribs: Spare ribs work beautifully and become just as tender in the slow cooker.
  • Coke instead of root beer: Cola gives a similar sweetness and helps create a rich sauce.
  • Any barbecue sauce: Use smoky, sweet, spicy, or honey barbecue sauce depending on your family preferences.
  • Honey instead of brown sugar: Honey adds sweetness while helping create a glossy finish.

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for ribs with a little heat.
  • Garlic lovers version: Stir minced garlic into the sauce for extra bold flavor.
  • Smoky version: Add a splash of liquid smoke to make the ribs taste even more like they came from the grill.
  • Sweeter glaze: Mix in a little honey for an extra sticky sweet coating.
  • Tangy twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten up the sauce.

Tips and Tricks

  • Do not skip the broiler: Broiling creates that sticky caramelized barbecue finish that makes these ribs irresistible.
  • Use thick barbecue sauce: A thicker sauce clings to the ribs better and creates a richer glaze.
  • Handle the ribs gently: The meat becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking and can fall apart easily.
  • Thicken extra sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce for brushing or dipping.
  • Cook low when possible: Low heat gives the most tender flavorful ribs.

Serving Ideas

  • Classic barbecue plate: Serve with baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread for a full comfort food meal.
  • Summer cookout dinner: Pair with corn on the cob and watermelon slices for an easy warm weather feast.
  • Game day spread: Add chips, coleslaw, and plenty of cold drinks for a crowd pleasing meal.
  • Cozy family dinner: Serve alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for comfort food perfection.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers: Store ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for later: Wrap cooled ribs tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven: Warm ribs covered with foil for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make sauce ahead: The barbecue sauce mixture can be mixed a day in advance to save time.
Servings: 4 servings