There are days when a cook wants supper to take care of itself, and that is exactly where these 5-ingredient slow cooker pork spare ribs shine. This is the kind of no-fuss meal that feels right at home in a Midwestern kitchen, where a sturdy cut of meat, a dependable crock, and a handful of pantry staples can turn into something rich, tender, and comforting by dinnertime. Using raw pork spare ribs right in the slow cooker keeps things simple, and after a long, gentle cook, the meat comes out full of flavor and ready to please a hungry table.
Serve these ribs with classic sides that can catch all that sweet and savory sauce, such as mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, baked beans, coleslaw, or a simple pan of cornbread. If you want a lighter plate, a crisp cucumber salad or green beans make a nice balance, and for drinks, sweet tea, lemonade, or even plain iced water fit the meal just fine.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds raw pork spare ribs, cut into sections if needed to fit the slow cooker
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Pat the raw pork spare ribs dry with paper towels and cut them into smaller sections if needed so they fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
2. Place the ribs in the bottom of the slow cooker, stacking them as needed.
3. In a bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the ribs, turning them a bit if you can so the pieces are well coated.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the ribs are very tender and cooked through.
6. Carefully lift the ribs out of the slow cooker and spoon some of the sauce from the crock over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a smokier flavor: Use a smoky-style barbecue sauce if that is what your family prefers. It gives the ribs a cookout taste even though they were made indoors in the slow cooker.
For easier cleanup: Spray the slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray before adding the ribs. That sticky sauce can cling a bit around the edges after a long day of cooking.
If you like a thicker sauce: Remove the cooked ribs, then pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens. Spoon it back over the ribs just before serving.
To finish under the broiler: If you want a little color and sticky edge on the outside, place the cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes after slow cooking. Watch them closely so the sauce does not burn.
To round out the meal: These ribs are rich, so I like to pair them with something cool or crisp on the side. A scoop of coleslaw, a pickle, or a spoonful of potato salad makes the whole plate feel complete.