↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Pork » Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs

by Sarah Olson on June 16, 2022 | Updated January 13, 2023 136 Comments

47202 shares
  • 11856
  • 1
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
long image of dr. pepper ribs with text overlay.
3 images of dr pepper ribs for facebook with text.
collage of dr. pepper rib images with text overlay for pinterest

Flavorful, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs are what you’ll get with these slow cooker Dr. Pepper ribs. No dry rub is necessary, and prep time doesn’t get any easier than this, thanks to the recipe only calling for six ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or something to bring along to a weekend game day gathering, this easy recipe is a great idea for any time!

dr. pepper ribs in slow cooker with onion on top.

Why this recipe works

If you haven’t done ribs in the crockpot, you need to put it on your dinner menu ASAP. I’ve done ribs with other cooking methods, but for me, cooking them in the crock pot is not only the easiest, but it also always cooks the ribs to perfection. This is one of that dump and go recipes with little prep!

Not to mention, using the slow cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking a style and cut of meat like ribs, meaning you don’t have to give it much thought. And trust me when I say this is a recipe the entire family will enjoy – even the kiddos. This will be a great recipe to keep on hand.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for dr. pepper ribs on table.
  • Pork Baby Back Ribs – these are packed raw and usually weigh somewhere between 3-4 pounds.
  • Dr. Pepper – Dr. Pepper soda adds sweetness to the bbq ribs; notice I did not add brown sugar to the recipe; I think that would have been too much sugar.
  • Barbecue sauce – adds a great flavor to the overall dish.
  • Hickory liquid smoke – this makes the ribs taste like they’ve been in the smoker all day.
  • Seasonings – garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce add the perfect flavor combination to the soda and barbeque sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

four image collage of how to add ingredients for slow cooker for dr. pepper ribs.

Step One – The hardest (and grossest) thing about this recipe is removing the sinew from the back of the ribs. It’s a thin piece of tissue that you would think would break down with cooking, but it doesn’t all the way and is not good eats. This piece of tissue is easily removed by taking a knife and loosening an edge of it, then grab hold of that edge and ripping it off; if you are lucky, it will come off in one piece.

Step Two – Place the ribs into the crock pot. Sprinkle over the garlic powder and black pepper. Add the liquid smoke and barbecue sauce over the ribs.

Step Three – Pour over the Dr. Pepper.

Step Four – Cook ribs on LOW for 8 hours, do not open the lid while these cook. They will turn out moist and tender if you leave them be. Serve hot, and enjoy!

dr. pepper ribs in white slow cooker.

Tips for the best ribs

  • Low and Slow. Cooking low and slow is the best to ensure tender ribs
  • Remove sinew from the back of ribs BEFORE cooking
  • Keep the lid on the entire cooking time
  • Add plenty of liquid (this recipe uses Dr. Pepper as the liquid)
overhead shot of dr. pepper ribs.

How to serve:

  • As-is: Of course, you can’t go wrong serving these Dr. Pepper ribs as is, but be sure to have some napkins close by.
  • Light sides: serving these bbq ribs with a light side such as a side salad will help keep the overall meal light and healthy. Other salad side options to consider are pasta salad, potato salad, or a broccoli salad.
  • Southern-style: if you want to turn these pork ribs into a Southern meal, pair them with a nice helping of mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
  • Bread: keep a pan (or plate) of rolls, cornbread, or sliced bread nearby for sopping up the yummy juices.
rib on plate with mashed potatoes and salad.

Recipe FAQs

Does this recipe work with beef ribs?

Absolutely. This is an easy substitution, and nothing about the recipe or cooking needs to change. You can also use boneless country style pork ribs.

What types of barbeque sauce do you recommend?

You can’t go wrong with Sweet Baby Rays; however, you can always use your favorite bbq sauce. Keep in mind the flavor of the barbeque sauce you use will have an effect on the overall flavor.

How to store leftover ribs?

Put any remaining ribs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating them, add a bit of water to a baking sheet and bake on a low temp for absolutely perfect leftover ribs.

Can you use a different flavor of soda in this recipe?

While this recipe calls for Dr. Pepper, you can also use Coca-Cola, Root Beer, or even diet Dr. Pepper. Carbonation of any drink will help make crockpot ribs tender and juicy, especially when they are slow-cooked.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

close up of dr. pepper ribs with green onion

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs

4.99 from 54 votes
Pork Baby Back Ribs Smothered in Dr. Pepper and Barbecue sauce with a touch of liquid smoke. So much easier than grilling.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 786kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs. rack baby back pork ribs (1 rack is usually about 3-4 pounds, any size that will fit in the slow cooker will work fine.
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (I use Sweet Baby Rays)
  • 12 oz. can Dr. Pepper
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Remove the sinew from the ribs (it’s the white slimey thing on the rounded back part of the ribs.) I do this by lifting a edge of it up with a knife, then grabbing it with 2 fingers. If your lucky the entire things will come off in one pull.
  • Cut the ribs in to 4 even sections, or in half. Doesn’t matter how you slice it.
  • Add to the slow cooker
  • Sprinkle over the pepper, garlic powder and add the liquid smoke.
  • Drizzle over the barbecue sauce.
  • Pour the Dr. Pepper in.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Serve with additional barbecue sauce if desired
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I use a different kind of soda?
While this recipe calls for Dr. Pepper, you can also use Coca-Cola, Root Beer, or even diet Dr. Pepper. Carbonation of any drink will help make crockpot ribs tender and juicy, especially when they are slow-cooked.
Does this recipe work with beef ribs?
Absolutely. This is an easy substitution, and nothing about the recipe or cooking needs to change. You can also use boneless country-style ribs.
How to store:
Put any remaining ribs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating them, add a bit of water to a baking sheet and bake on a low temp for absolutely perfect leftover ribs.
 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 858mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2.6mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other rib recipes for the slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Beer and Onion Beef Ribs
  • Slow Cooker County Style Pork Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions
  • Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Tomato Gravy
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Pork Ribs, Potatoes and Sauerkraut
  • Slow Cooker Louisiana Ribs {Cajun Style}
  • Slow Cooker Pork Buffalo Style Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Classic Baby Back Ribs

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    47202 shares
    • 11856
    • 1

    Filed Under: Dinner, Pork, Ribs

    Comments

    1. Dianna says

      January 12, 2023 at 7:54 am

      5 stars
      I have been making ribs like this for several years and it is a fool-proof way to get fall off the bone ribs!(difficult to take out of the crock pot without falling apart in pieces!) However I don’t use liquid smoke (personally don’t like the flavor) and I also line a broiling pan with foil and spread extra bbq sauce on and put under broiler until bubbly!

      Reply
    2. C. Raymond Ratliff says

      December 29, 2022 at 9:20 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to prep and tastes great you would simply have to work at it to mess them up!!!

      Reply
    3. Debbie says

      July 4, 2022 at 6:32 am

      If cooking only one slab of babybacks will I need to reduce the cook time?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        July 4, 2022 at 7:05 am

        This recipe is one full slab, it’s just cut in half. If you are cooking a very small amount you can cut the time down by an hour.

        Reply
    4. JJ says

      June 20, 2022 at 9:50 am

      Can this be made in an instant pot? If yes, what do you recommend for cook time?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 20, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        I have not tested, I apologize.

        Reply
      • J says

        March 28, 2023 at 3:42 pm

        I use my instant pot. 8 hours slow cook on the low setting, then I baste with bbq sauce and bake at 400 for 10 minutes

        Reply
    5. Anthony smith says

      June 19, 2022 at 12:12 am

      Having looked at the recipe & watched the video, is liquid smoke actually Worcestershire sauce. Also what would be a great side dish to go with the ribs

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 19, 2022 at 8:20 am

        I fixed it, you should add liquid smoke. Though I LOVE Worcestershire in this recipe and if you didn’t have liquid smoke you can use it.

        Reply
    6. Ruth Covey says

      June 18, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      At the beginning of the recipients it called for Worcestershire sauce but never again mentioned that but in stead said liquid smoke. Confused

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 19, 2022 at 8:21 am

        It is liquid smoke; I fixed it. Thank you.

        Reply
    7. Kathy Williamson says

      June 18, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Gonna try it soon

      Reply
    8. James Ross says

      February 17, 2022 at 11:11 am

      What about high cook and hour??

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 17, 2022 at 1:04 pm

        I would try 4 hours on high.

        Reply
    9. Brittani says

      October 21, 2021 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      Hi there, these were WONDERFUL. Followed the recipe to a T, but I broiled mine for a few minutes in the end for some crispness. Will definitely be saving for future use.

      Reply
    10. Cheree Dennett says

      October 17, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      Can I use beef ribs with this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 18, 2021 at 8:27 am

        Yes, beef works well in this recipe.

        Reply
    11. Ro says

      August 31, 2021 at 8:51 am

      can you use diet dr pepper?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 31, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Yes, that will work fine!

        Reply
    12. ile3 says

      July 24, 2021 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      Just did this recipe with pork spare ribs and used cherry dr pepper and the results were quite delicious

      Reply
    13. Cheryl Abney says

      June 2, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      The ribs were so nice & tender the Dr.pepper had such a good taste with the ribs . I’ll be making them again !

      Reply
    14. Tamaryn Parks Tribolet says

      May 25, 2021 at 3:06 pm

      Can you use beef ribs?

      Reply
    15. Leslie says

      February 6, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      Is liquid smoke crucial to the outcome? I don’t have any but could use smoked paprika maybe??

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 6, 2021 at 10:14 pm

        I think that will work fine.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Appetizers

    Baked beans and little smokies in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

    Slow Cooker Baked Beans and Little Smokies

    creamy dip with ham and cheese.

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Sin Dip

    close up of meatballs and little smokies in a white slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Meatballs and Little Smokies

    Chili cream cheese dip on a large frito.

    Slow Cooker Chili Cream Cheese Dip

    Chip in tomatillo salsa.

    Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa

    jalapeno popper chicken in a slow cooker with a fork in it.

    Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      peanut butter cake with spoon in it.

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2023, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs