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Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs slow-cooked with Dr Pepper for sweet, tangy flavor, then glazed with BBQ sauce for caramelized perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Rub
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional
Ribs & Sauce
  • 3-4 lbs baby back pork ribs
  • 12 oz Dr Pepper 1 can
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce your favorite

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
  2. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and chili powder in a bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
  4. Cut ribs into portions if needed and stand them upright in the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the Dr Pepper over the ribs.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender.
  7. Preheat oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack.
  8. Remove ribs from slow cooker and place on the rack.
  9. Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce.
  10. Broil 3-5 minutes per side until sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
  11. Rest 5 minutes, slice, and serve with extra sauce.

Notes

For extra smokiness, add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Always remove the membrane for best texture.