Crockpot Dr Pepper Ribs

These Crockpot Dr Pepper Ribs cook low and slow until tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Finish them in the oven or char on the grill to caramelize the sauce for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker meal.

Easy Crockpot Dr Pepper Recipe

Something magical happens when you cook barbecue low and slow. While smoking remains the gold standard for tender, flavorful bone-in ribs, a crockpot is an excellent alternative for achieving the same melt-in-your-mouth results.

Slow-cooking baby back ribs not only makes preparation effortless, but also transforms them into fall-apart tender, juicy perfection. After slow cooking, you can char them on the grill or under the broiler in your oven, I’ve included instructions for both in this great recipe. Slather them with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce for a hearty meal on long summer days the entire family will love or during football season for game day snacking.

Key ingredients to make Crockpot Ribs: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pork Ribs – Two racks of baby back ribs fit best in the slow cooker.
• Oil – Vegetable oil for flavor and moisture.
• Soda – Dr Pepper mixed with liquid smoke to amp up the flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce – Store-bought or homemade bbq sauce gives these ribs their signature flavor.
• Homemade Dry Rub – Light brown sugar, kosher salt, chipotle pepper, chili powder, paprika, lemon pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder, oregano, cumin, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder.

How to Make Tender Crockpot Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe

• Prep the Ribs – Pat dry ribs with a paper towel. Grab and remove the membrane using a paper towel from the back of the ribs removing it completely. Drizzle with olive oil.
• Make the Dry Rub – Stir together brown sugar, salt, chipotle pepper, paprika, chili powder, cumin, lemon pepper, granulated garlic, oregano, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and onion powder. Rub the ribs on all sides with the rub.
• Prepare Crockpot – Spray the inside of a 6 quart oval slow cooker or similar with cooking spray.
• Ribs – Arrange ribs along the wall of the crock. Arrange the second rack of ribs on the interior of the slow cooker.
• Make the Sauce – Whisk together the Dr Pepper and liquid smoke and carefully pour over the ribs. Make sure the lid covers snugly.
• Lock Lid in Place – Cook on low per the cooking time in the recipe until fork tender.
• Oven-Baked Ribs – Brush one side of the ribs with bbq sauce. Char in the oven on each side. Repeat with the other side. Rest uncovered for 5-10 minutes before serving. See recipe card for grilling instructions.
• Pull apart and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Crockpot Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe

• Large baking sheet pan or cookie sheet.
• Large oval crock pot.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Heavy duty aluminum foil.
• Small bowl.
• Whisk or fork.
• Basting brush.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Barbecue Sauce – You can use your favorite bbq sauce for these tender ribs. Store-bought sweet and spicy, hickory, or honey barbecue sauce.
• Dry Rub Shortcut – My homemade dry rub is packed with flavor. You can adapt using a prepared dry rub that you enjoy purchased at the grocery store for a timesaver. Applewood Rub by McCormick, Smokehouse Maple, Barbecue Magic OR any of your favorite dry rub combinations.
• Be Generous with Spices – It’s important to liberally season the ribs with the dry rub then carefully place them into the slow cooker wrapping them around the perimeter per the recipe. Turn it on low then the crockpot will do the rest.
• Cool Before Charring -The ribs will be super tender after slow cooking. That’s why I recommend that you allow them time to cool so they don’t fall apart for the final grilling or broiling with the barbecue sauce. You can pop them into the refrigerator to speed up the process.
• Homemade Barbecue Sauce – Checkout my recipes for making your own Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce and Chipotle Peach Grillin’ Sauce to finish the meal.
• Crock Pot Ribs – Slow cooking results in juicy ribs that are very tender, so handle them carefully. Remove them to a pan and cool uncovered.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – After cooling, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator one day in advance. This is a terrific timesaver for weekday meals, game day snacking and entertaining.
• How to Serve Crockpot Ribs – Serve these tender ribs with corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, baked potatoes, potato salad or any of your favorite side dishes.
• Leftovers – Store Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs chilled in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in an air fryer, bake covered with foil in a 350°F oven, reheat gently in the microwave or grill, being careful not to overcook.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and reheat just before serving.

More Ribs and Pork Recipes to Make

• These Braised Mexican Style Pork Ribs are packed with flavor.
• Slow Cooked Country Ribs and Barbecue Beans ladled over a piece of cornbread is a feast.
• Saucy Baby Back Ribs are made in the oven and finished on the grill.
• Slow Cooked Braised Beef Ribs fall apart they’re so tender and succulent.
• Make this Pulled Pork Instant Pot for supper in no time flat.
• This Cranberry Orange Pork Roast is a fall and holiday favorite.
• Homemade Crock Pot Bread from Recipes that Crock!

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Slow Cooker
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set