Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs (Easy & Tender!)

These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs are everything you want in a rib recipe—easy, flavorful, and fall-apart tender. The magic of Dr. Pepper gives them a sweet, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipes that never disappoints!

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs with hardly any effort, this Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs recipe is the answer. Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly sticky, these crockpot ribs are loaded with flavor thanks to the unique combo of Dr. Pepper and BBQ sauce. Just set it, forget it, and come home to tender ribs that taste like they’ve been slow-smoked all day.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving a crowd for game day, these crockpot Dr. Pepper ribs deliver mouthwatering results every time.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Effortless Prep: Let your slow cooker do all the work—just set it and forget it!

• Tender & Juicy: Dr. Pepper helps break down the meat, making the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.
• Bold, Sweet Flavor: The soda adds a rich caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These ribs are always a hit at family dinners, game day, or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

• Baby back ribs – Meaty and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
• Dr. Pepper – Adds caramel-like sweetness and tenderizes the ribs.
• Your Favorite BBQ sauce – Choose smoky, spicy, or sweet to suit your taste.
• Paprika – Adds mild heat and color.
• Garlic powder – Boosts savory flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance the meat.

🔪 How to Make Dr. Pepper Ribs in the Slow Cooker

Step 1 – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Cut each rack in half if needed to fit in your slow cooker.

Step 2 – Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.

Step 3 – Pour the can of Dr. Pepper into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce.

Step 4 – Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the ribs are tender.

Step 5 – For that irresistible caramelized finish, place ribs on a baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes.

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe Tips

• Remove the membrane: For fall-off-the-bone texture, peel off the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning.
• Use a flavorful BBQ sauce: Choose a bold barbecue sauce that pairs well with the sweetness of Dr. Pepper.
• Low and slow is key: Cook on low for 7–8 hours for the most tender results. High heat can dry out the ribs.
• Finish under the broiler: For sticky, caramelized ribs, broil them for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking.
• Slice after resting: Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly.

Storing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Place leftover ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: Warm ribs in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of BBQ sauce to keep them moist.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs pair perfectly with classic barbecue sides for a hearty, satisfying meal. Serve them with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a scoop of loaded mashed potatoes for comfort food at its best. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the ribs. Don’t forget warm cornbread or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe Faqs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs? Yes! Spare ribs work well, but they may require a longer cooking time to become tender.

Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs? Removing the membrane helps the ribs absorb more flavor and become more tender, so it’s recommended.

Can I use diet or cherry-flavored Dr. Pepper? You can, but the classic Dr. Pepper offers the best balance of sweetness and flavor for this recipe.

How do I get a crispy finish on the ribs? After slow cooking, brush the ribs with extra BBQ sauce and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Slow cooker ribs taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

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