These 4-ingredient slow cooker summer afternoon ribs are the kind of easy dinner that saves a busy day and still feels a little special when everyone sits down to eat. Baby back ribs turn tender with almost no effort, and the simple pantry-item sauce gives them that sweet, savory, sticky finish people expect from a good rib dinner without needing a grill or a long list of ingredients.
Serve these ribs with classic warm-weather sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, or a simple watermelon salad. If you want to keep dinner extra easy, add buttery rolls and a bagged salad, and for drinks, iced tea or lemonade fit the whole casual summer-dinner vibe perfectly.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Afternoon Ribs
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
2 racks baby back pork ribs, about 4 to 5 pounds total
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it is still attached, then cut the racks into sections that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Arrange the rib sections in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over the top and turn the ribs to coat them well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the ribs are very tender.
5. Carefully transfer the ribs to a platter. If you like a thicker sauce, simmer the cooking liquid in a small saucepan for a few minutes until reduced, then spoon it over the ribs before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use your favorite sauce: Since there are so few ingredients here, the barbecue sauce flavor really stands out. A smoky sauce, a honey barbecue sauce, or a slightly spicy one all work well, so this is an easy way to make the recipe feel a little different each time.
For a caramelized finish: After slow cooking, place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 2 to 4 minutes. That quick extra step gives the sauce a stickier, more classic rib texture that feels a lot like ribs from the grill.
Make-ahead tip: These ribs are great for busy weekdays or casual weekend get-togethers because you can cook them earlier in the day and keep them warm for a short time before serving. You can also refrigerate the cooked ribs and reheat them gently with extra sauce.
Keep cleanup easy: If ribs are one of those dinners you love but do not make often, this recipe helps with that. A slow cooker liner or a quick soak of the insert right after dinner makes cleanup much less annoying.