These Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Ribs are a cozy fall-ready Crock-Pot meal. Apple notes combine with brown sugar and tangy vinegar to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that makes the ribs irresistible.
Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Ribs
We eat ribs a lot at my house, and while our family favorite has long been Slow Cooker Coke Ribs, I wanted to create a variation with autumn flavors. When I found spare ribs on sale, I picked up a couple racks and decided to highlight apple flavors—using apples, applesauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
Making ribs in the slow cooker is convenient and fuss-free compared with the old boil-then-broil method. The Crock-Pot gently breaks down the meat while the apple-based sauce reduces into a sweet, sticky glaze that clings to the ribs.
I like that I can prep everything in the morning and have tender, flavorful ribs ready for dinner. The apples lend a natural sweetness, while the brown sugar and BBQ sauce deepen the flavor. A quick finish under the broiler crisps the edges if you prefer a bit of char.
Gather spare ribs, apples, applesauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion, and your favorite BBQ sauce. I used a sweet brown sugar-style BBQ sauce from my local store and it complemented the apple notes beautifully.
INGREDIENTS
5 lb pork spareribs (about 2 racks)
1 1/2 cups applesauce
18 oz BBQ sauce (divided)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 onion, finely diced
1 apple, cored and sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. Cut the racks into portion-sized sections (about 3 ribs each).
2. Arrange the rib sections around the sides and across the bottom of the slow cooker with the meaty side facing inward.
3. Scatter the apple slices over and between the ribs.
4. In a blender combine the diced onion, applesauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce. Pulse until smooth.
5. Pour the blended sauce over the ribs, coating well.
6. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the ribs are tender.
7. Remove the ribs and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce.
8. For a crisped finish, place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
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Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Ribs
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Ingredients
- 5 lb Pork spareribs, 2 racks
- 1 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 18 oz BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- 1 Apple, cored and sliced
Instructions
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Cut ribs into portion-sized sections (about 3 ribs each).
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Place ribs around the sides and bottom of the crock with the meaty side toward the center.
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Spread apple slices over the ribs.
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Combine onion, applesauce, brown sugar, vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce in a blender and pulse until smooth.
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Pour the sauce over the ribs to coat evenly.
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Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until ribs are tender.
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Remove ribs and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce.
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For crispier edges, transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for several minutes, watching closely.
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Looking for other slow cooker recipes? Try some of these reader favorites for more easy weeknight dinners.
