Easy Slow Cooker Ribs

Love barbecue? These easy slow cooker ribs take just minutes of prep. Even better, they can be frozen ahead for a delicious meal your family will love!

It only took me ten years to discover that the fastest way to my husband’s heart is simply to cook more MEAT! Over the past few months, as I’ve been working on developing more quick & easy freezer friendly recipes for my family, I’ve never seen him quite so enthusiastic about dinnertime  While it was a little intimidating at first, as a life-long vegetarian, to start cooking meat, I have to admit that I’ve been having a lot of fun coming up with new ideas. I am also pretty psyched about being able to maintain a whole freezer full of meals that my family absolutely loves!

These super easy slow-cooked ribs take just five minutes of prep before throwing them in the freezer (or directly into the crockpot if not planning to freeze them ahead of time.)  The liquid smoke is optional but it does add a nice dose of smokey flavor & is highly recommended. You can find it in the grocery store next to the barbecue sauce!

Easy Slow-Cooked Ribs

Here is what you need:

Step 1: Rub meat with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, ground mustard, seasoned salt, and liquid smoke until smooth.

Step 3: Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!) Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.

Step 4: Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. If you don’t have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer–5-7 hours instead of 4-6.

Instant Pot recipe update: Defrost this freezer meal in the fridge then place in Instant Pot for 25 minutes on high. Once time is over do a quick release and then remove the majority of the liquid then place IP on sauté for 4 minutes. Ribs are full of flavor and so tender.

Other recipes you’ll love:

• Sweet and Spicy Ribs
• Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers
• Freezer-to-Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings

5 from 1 vote

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Easy Freezer Slow-Cooked Ribs

These slow-cooker freezer friendly ribs melt in your mouth and are sure to be a new family favorite!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Slow-Cooked Ribs

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes

Author Ruth Soukup

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork ribs
• salt & pepper
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon  liquid smoke optional

Instructions

1. Rub meat with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, ground mustard, seasoned salt, and liquid smoke until smooth.
3. Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!) Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.
4. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.

Recipe Notes

If you don't have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer--5-7 hours instead of 4-6.

Instant Pot recipe update: Defrost this freezer meal in the fridge then place in Instant Pot for 25 minutes on high. Once time is over do a quick release and then remove the majority of the liquid then place IP on sauté for 4 minutes. Ribs are full of flavor and so tender.

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