Dr. Pepper Ribs

Jun 16, 2022Updated May 06, 2025

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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.

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!

Ingredients for Dr. Pepper Ribs

Just a few ingredients to make fall of the bone ribs. Find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below the images.

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 barbecue sauce.

How to Make 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.

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

These ribs are super easy to make, here is how to perfect them:

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)

My Serving Suggestions

Here is how I serve these ribs to my family and guests:

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.

Featured Comment

“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.”
– Brittani

143 More Reviews

close up of dr. pepper ribs with green onion

Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe

4.95 from 18 votes

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 8 15

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

Pork Baby Back Ribs Smothered in Dr. Pepper and Barbecue sauce with a touch of liquid smoke. So much easier than grilling.

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Equipment

Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger (I own and use this one from Crock-Pot)

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

Sarah’s 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.