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
Equipment Needed:
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:
Recipe 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
so if i wanted to broil these after cooking how long and how high would you say broil it for
Hi, it’s different with every oven and depends how far away your rack is. Though I usually do about 3-5 minutes and keep an eye on them.
made these a few weeks ago loved it. gonna make them again soon i used sonnys sweet bbq sauce
Could double everything if I did 8 pounds of ribs? Or do you think it would have trouble cooking with that much meat in there?
I think it will be fine!
I am making this!
Would I be able to put the ribs on a slow cooker rack to steam the Dr pepper in or is it better all sitting together? I’ve had great luck with other recipes but don’t want to miss out on the flavors
If you’ve done it with other recipes it should be fine!
Can you use Mountain Dew instead?
I’m unsure without testing it out.
Made these today and I will definitely make them again and again, they were amazing! Fall off the bone tender, literally! I served with a side of homemade savory corn bread, soooooo good, thanks for the recipe!
Did you use any type of seasoning on your ribs or just the soda & BBQ sauce
We’re trying these today, but our rack of ribs is smaller, only 1.5 lbs. I’m thinking 4 hrs on low instead of 8? Hopefully
I think 6 hours on low. 4 hours on low will barely start cooking.
Excellent recipe! Thank you for sharing. Will definitely make again and again. Huge hit in my home with my stepsons.
Trying this tomorrow but with beef ribs. I’ve never cooked ribs so fingers crossed. Do beef ribs have anything on the bottom that needs to be removed prior to going into the slow cooker?
How was it with the beef ribs?
Would this work using chicken?
I don’t see why not
Oopps I left the slimey back on. Will they cook ok?
yes! Just be sure to remove before eating. I’ve done it before too.
I thought I helped keep I together when on the grill. After slow cooking for 10 hrs it melted into the meat. I put a layer of thin sliced onions on the bottom.
Can you use diet soda or does it need to be regula? Also are pork spare ribs the same as baby back ribs?
Excellent!
Loving your food.