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!
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
- 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
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!
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)
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs
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
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
How to Video:
Sarah’s Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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
Wendy says
Can you use diet soda or does it need to be regula? Also are pork spare ribs the same as baby back ribs?
Tim Chastain says
Excellent!
Patricia says
Loving your food.
Lorraine says
Can you make these with pork chops, or would they dry out?
Sarah Olson says
If I were to use pork chops I would only cook on low for 6 hours. They should work great.
Jason says
It won’t dry out you are slow cooking it in liquid…
Mark says
I’m diabetic, Can you use diet Doctor Pepper in this recipe? Thank You.
Sarah Olson says
Yes! I’ve had other viewer do this and worked out great.
Mrs. Miller says
Can I use beef ribs to make this recipe?
Sarah Olson says
Yes! Beef ribs are great in this recipe.
Duane Carrell says
My wife suggested these when the recipe appeared on her Facebook on day. We agreed to have them the following Saturday since we planned to spend that day working in the yard. When we finished for the day and came in to cool off, get something to drink and have our showers, the smell was all over the house and it was still another hour before they were scheduled to be ready. Two quick showers, some quick prep time for side dishes later and we could barely contain ourselves. These were the best ribs we could remember eating. The next day we heat the remaining ribs in the microwave and had them for lunch with a baked potato, they were even better the second time around. Now we look for an excuse to serve them. Friends coming over for dinner, serve ribs! Family stopping by to visit, have ribs. Pot luck lunch at the office, have ribs. Don’t feel like cooking later this evening, have ribs. Nothing special to celebrate, .. you guessed it, RIBS! This works just as good with beef, pulled pork sandwiches or even chicken. This has lead up to us looking for other great Crock Pot meals. Who knew you could cook so many great meals in a Crock Pot. But, first you have to try the Dr. Pepper Ribs!
Francisco says
I just made these toady and they were delicious I will be making them again. Thank you for sharing your receipe looking forward to making more of your delicious food. Wife gave me 5 thumbs up for copying your instructions
James says
If I put 2 racks in. Do I add any extra dr.pepper? And some told me a 2-litter? Your expertise thanks
Thanks James
Sarah Olson says
You could add a little more, maybe half of a can
Lois says
Can you use any other soda pop?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, cola or root beer works great.
Donna says
Because I’m a diabetic can I use diet Dr pepper instead
Sarah Olson says
Yes, I’ve had other use diet sodas and they work fine as long as your used to the flavor.
MARY L MAGGARD says
Do you have to use liquid smoke, I was out and also I had beef ribs would that be ok?
Sarah Olson says
You can leave out the liquid smoke, no problem. I LOVE beef ribs and think this recipe will be great with them.