Slow-Cooker Pull-Apart Ribs

If you just got served these ribs, you might never even consider they were done in the slow cooker.  That's because after they slow cook to tender perfection, they're slathered with homemade barbecue sauce and grilled to a nice sweet & smoky crust on the outside.  Genius, really.  Way better than the grilled ribs I tried to make a few years ago that were tough and nearly burnt by the time they cooked through. 

But these fell right off the bone and were absolutely perfect.  Four adults devoured them and wanted more, so the only amendment I might make to this recipe is, get another crockpot and double it.  And sorry, you ain't gonna have leftovers.


Pull-Apart Ribs (print recipe)
Makes 1 rack of ribs (about 14)
Rub and Ribs:
2 T dry mustard
2 T paprika
1 T dried oregano
1 tsp seasoned salt
1 T sugar
2 tsp black pepper
1 full rack pork spare ribs (about 4 pounds)
1 bottle (12 ounces) beer OR 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Sauce:
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
3 T ketchup

1.  RUB - In a small bowl, stir together dry mustard, paprika, oregano, seasoned salt, sugar and pepper.

2.  RIBS - Remove the ribs from packaging; rinse in cool water.  Pat dry with paper towels.  Cut rack in thirds.  Season ribs with 1/4 cup of the dry rub, pressing on with your hands.  Pour beer or broth and 1 1/2 cups water into slow cooker.  Stack ribs in cooker and cover.  Slow cook on LOW for 9 hours.

3.  Heat gas grill to medium-high or coals in charcoal grill to medium hot.

4.  SAUCE - Place remaining rub, brown sugar, vinegar and ketchup in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. 

5.  GRILL - Carefully remove ribs from slow cooker.  Baste with sauce.  Grill ribs 6 minutes, turning after 3 minutes.

Recipe from Family Circle, June 2011