The Best Slow Cooker Root Beef BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe for Fall

Slow cooker root beer BBQ pork ribs elevate home cooking into an art form.

Sweet carbonated magic redefines ordinary meat into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

Tender, succulent proteins absorb incredible flavor profiles during low-temperature cooking processes.

Barbecue enthusiasts appreciate how gentle heat breaks down muscular tissues, creating impossibly delicate textures.

Rich marinades penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring maximum taste sensation with minimal preparation effort.

Each bite promises a complex balance between caramelized sugars and savory undertones.

You’ll love how these ribs combine comfort and gourmet in one incredible dish.

Why Root Beer BBQ Ribs Are Worth the Wait

• Unleash Tender Meat Magic: Slow cooking transforms tough pork ribs into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, making even novice cooks look like culinary pros with minimal effort.
• Root Beer Flavor Boost: The unexpected root beer liquid tenderizes meat while adding a subtle sweet complexity that elevates traditional BBQ flavors beyond ordinary recipes.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: This hands-off recipe requires just 5-6 hours of cooking time, delivering restaurant-quality ribs without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy families craving hearty meals.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfectly suited for casual gatherings, game day events, or summer barbecues, these ribs offer crowd-pleasing flavors that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips That Make Root Beer Ribs Even Better

• Remove Silver Skin Smoothly: Gently slide a spoon or knife under the membrane to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs without tough texture.
• Choose Quality Root Beer: Select a craft or premium root beer with rich flavor to enhance the meat's natural sweetness and create deeper taste dimensions.
• Layer Barbecue Sauce Strategically: Apply sauce in stages to build complex flavor profiles and achieve perfect caramelization without burning.
• Monitor Slow Cooker Liquid Levels: Ensure ribs remain partially submerged during cooking to prevent drying out and maintain maximum moisture.
• Rest Ribs Before Serving: Allow cooked ribs to sit for 10-15 minutes after broiling to help juices redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor concentration.

Best Ways to Store and Rewarm BBQ Pork Ribs

• Storage
• Wrap leftover ribs tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Properly stored ribs will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, preserving their delicious flavor and tender texture.
• Freezing Method
• Place cooled ribs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ribs can last up to 3 months without losing their mouthwatering taste and quality.
• Reheating Technique
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them in the oven at 250°F, wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Brush with additional barbecue sauce before reheating to restore their saucy goodness.

Side Dishes That Complement BBQ Pork Ribs Perfectly

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Fresh, crisp coleslaw cuts through the rich, meaty flavor of the ribs, providing a cool and zesty contrast that refreshes the palate.
• Serve with Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or amber ale complements the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, enhancing the depth of the root beer-infused pork ribs.
• Add Cornbread on the Side: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread soaks up the delicious BBQ sauce and offers a perfect textural companion to the tender, falling-apart ribs.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts or glazed carrots add a caramelized, earthy element that balances the meat's richness.

Tasty Twists for BBQ Ribs Using Root Beer

• Sweet and Spicy Infusion: Replace root beer with Dr. Pepper and mix in chipotle peppers for a smoky, sweet-heat variation that adds complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Swap barbecue sauce with a blend of hoisin, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an umami-packed flavor profile that transforms the classic pork ribs.
• Citrus Herb Blend: Substitute root beer with orange juice and incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest to create a bright, aromatic version of the slow-cooked ribs.
• Whiskey Glazed Option: Use bourbon instead of root beer and mix a whiskey-based barbecue sauce for a rich, boozy undertone that elevates the meat's natural flavors.

What You’ll Need for These Sweet, Smoky Ribs

• Pork Ribs: Tender cut of meat that becomes fall-off-the-bone soft when slow-cooked. Choose fresh, meaty ribs with good marbling for maximum flavor.
• Baby Back or Spare Ribs: Popular rib options with rich taste and texture.

• Root Beer: Unique liquid that helps tenderize meat and adds sweet undertones. Select classic root beer without artificial sweeteners.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides rich, tangy coating and caramelization. Choose thick, smoky sauce for best results.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for enhancing meats natural flavor. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

Cooking BBQ Pork Ribs in the Slow Cooker Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Place the pork rib racks on a cutting board. Use a spoon or butter knife to remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs by sliding under it and peeling it off completely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Slow Cooker

Arrange the seasoned ribs snugly in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour root beer over the ribs until they are completely covered with liquid. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.

Step 3: Add Barbecue Sauce

Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and discard the root beer liquid. Return the ribs to the pot and brush generously with barbecue sauce, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Increase the slow cooker temperature to high and cook for an additional hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize around the ribs.

Step 5: Create a Crispy Finish

For extra caramelization, spread additional barbecue sauce on the ribs. Transfer to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Roasted vegetables

Slow Cooker Root Beef Bbq Pork Ribs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Slow cooker root beer BBQ pork ribs bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Tender meat falls off the bone, glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce that promises a mouthwatering meal perfect for family gatherings or weekend barbecues.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) pork side ribs (approximately 2 racks)

Liquids:

• 24 ounces (710 milliliters) root beer (equivalent to 2 cans of 12 ounces each)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) barbecue sauce, prepared

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork ribs by placing them on a clean cutting board. Carefully remove the tough silver membrane from the back of the rack using a spoon or butter knife, gripping and peeling it off completely to ensure tender meat.
2. Generously season both sides of the ribs with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even coating that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
3. Arrange the seasoned ribs carefully inside a 6-quart (5.7 liters) slow cooker, positioning them to fit snugly without excessive overlapping.
4. Pour root beer over the ribs until they are completely covered with liquid, which will help tenderize the meat and infuse a subtle sweetness during cooking.
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low temperature for 5 hours or high temperature for 3 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
6. Once cooking is complete, gently remove the ribs from the slow cooker and discard the root beer liquid. Return the ribs to the cooking vessel.
7. Liberally brush each rib with barbecue sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
8. Increase the slow cooker temperature to high and continue cooking for an additional 60 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken around the ribs.
9. For enhanced caramelization, transfer the sauced ribs to a broiler-safe pan and apply an extra layer of barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove the ribs from the broiler, letting them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the sauce to set.
11. Serve the succulent ribs immediately alongside classic accompaniments like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Tackle tough silver skin removal using a spoon or butter knife for clean, tender ribs.
• Submerge seasoned ribs completely in root beer, transforming tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
• Boost flavor intensity by generously coating ribs with barbecue sauce during final slow cooking hour.
• Create irresistible caramelized exterior through quick broiling, adding crispy texture and rich color.
• Pair succulent ribs with classic Southern sides like tangy coleslaw or hearty baked beans for complete meal experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 150mg