This recipe brings the bold, smoky, and sweet flavors of Kansas City barbecue to your kitchen with minimal effort. Slow cooking ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s worth trying because it’s a hands-off approach to making restaurant-quality ribs at home.
Kansas City-Style Ribs – Slow Cooker
Course: DinnerCuisine: American (Barbecue)Servings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCalories
550
kcalCook Time (Low)
6
HoursThese Kansas City-style ribs are cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, then finished with a sticky, tangy barbecue sauce for a meal that’s irresistibly flavorful and tender.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup Kansas City-style barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing upright or stacked in layers.
- In another bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the ribs, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the ribs are tender.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for 5 minutes. Brush with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Notes
- Recipe Tips & Serving Suggestions:
🔥 Finish on the Grill or Broiler: For a caramelized crust, place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or grill them briefly after cooking.
🥔 Serve with Sides: Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete barbecue feast.
🧼 Easy Cleanup: Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil or a liner for effortless cleanup. - Pin this recipe for your next barbecue night! Leave a comment below if you try it—we’d love to hear how it turns out!
