Hearty Homestyle BBQ Ribs

Name: Hearty Homestyle BBQ Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork ribs; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you're looking for a dish that brings the comfort of homestyle cooking with a touch of tangy BBQ flavor, these Hearty Homestyle BBQ Ribs are it. Perfect for a weekend family meal, they’re easy to prepare, letting your slow cooker do most of the work.

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Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle BBQ Ribs

The star of this recipe is definitely the pork ribs. They become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. The BBQ sauce adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy finish — choose your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the meat while infusing a subtle tang that complements the sauce beautifully. Brown sugar sweetens the rub, caramelizing as it cooks. The blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a flavorful base, while black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, let the ribs sit with the rub in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before brushing it on the ribs.
Use a broiler instead of baking for an additional caramelized finish, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. For a fresh touch, serve with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables. Don't forget some extra napkins — things might get a little messy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?: Yes, you can use beef ribs, but note that cooking times may vary. Make sure they’re tender before moving to the oven.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead?: Absolutely! Bake them covered at 300°F for about 3 hours, then finish with the BBQ sauce under the broiler.
How long can I store leftovers?: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Hearty Homestyle BBQ Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing your spice rub. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined. This mix is going to be the secret to your ribs' flavor.

Lay your pork ribs on a clean surface and generously rub the spice mixture all over them. Be sure to coat both sides — don’t be shy, you want every bite to be flavorful.

Place the seasoned ribs into your slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar over them. This will help tenderize the ribs and infuse them with a gentle tanginess as they cook.

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the ribs cook for 6 to 8 hours. You'll know they're ready when they are tender and nearly falling off the bone — a fork should glide through the meat easily.

About 30 minutes before the ribs are done, preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet. Brush them with your BBQ sauce, making sure to cover every inch.

Pop the ribs in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. This is just enough time for the BBQ sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, delicious glaze.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless slow cooker preparation — minimal hands-on time.
Rich, deep flavor from a homemade spice rub.
A perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
Fall-off-the-bone tenderness that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs

1 cup BBQ sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.

Step 2: Rub the spice mixture generously over the ribs.

Step 3: Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour apple cider vinegar over them.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until ribs are tender.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce.

Step 6: Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until sauce is caramelized.

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