Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs Recipe (Super Easy)
I love making slow cooker meals during the week, and these crockpot Dr. Pepper ribs are always a favorite. The ribs turn out so tender and have a sweet, smoky flavor thatโs hard to resist. Itโs an easy slow cooker dinner recipe thatโs perfect for busy days when you donโt want to spend too much time cooking and also need something with simple prep.

Crockpot Dr. Pepper Ribs
Equipment
- Slow cooker (10โ12 quart)
- Aluminum foil
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Sharp knife or shears
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons dry rub or seasoning blend
- 1 12 ounce can Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
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Instructions
- Prep the meat.ย ย Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs for tender results. To do this, use a sharp knife to loosen the edge of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and pull firmly. Then, rub both sides of the ribs generously with your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend. Next, cut the ribs into sections of 2โ3 ribs each for easier handling using kitchen shears or a sharp knife.
- Cook in the slow cooker.ย ย Place the rib sections in your slow cooker. Then, pour the can of Dr. Pepper and add the liquid smoke, making sure the ribs are submerged as much as possible. Cover and cook on LOW for 8โ10 hours (for fall-off-the-bone ribs) or HIGH for 4โ5 hours (for a quicker cook). For best results, the low setting is recommended.
- Broil to finish.ย ย Preheat your broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Then, carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet, placing them meaty side up. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. Broil for 1โ2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly, caramelized, and slightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
- Serve and enjoy.ย ย Serve the ribs hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Notes
You know those days when you need a dinner thatโs easy, delicious and feels a little special? This recipe has you covered. Itโs tender, flavorful, and practically effortlessโtoss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the hard work. The secret is the Dr. Pepperโit adds a unique depth of flavor that makes this dish stand out. Also, donโt skip the broiling stepโit gives these ribs that perfect sticky-saucy finish.
If want a more traditional approach to making ribs, try this oven-to-grill method for baby back ribs. Itโs a great way to get that perfect smoky-charred flavor.

This is hands-down one of my favorite ways to make ribs, especially for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Having the right tools and ingredients is important to make these ribs turn out great. Here are some key items, along with tips to help everything go smoothly:

- Dr. Pepper: This soda adds a special sweetness and flavor to the ribs. If you donโt have Dr. Pepper, use Coke, root beer, or ginger ale instead.
- Liquid Smoke: You can find this near the barbecue sauces in most grocery stores. It gives the ribs a smoky taste without using a grill. If you canโt find it, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika is a substitute.
- Dry Rub or Seasoning Blend: You can use your favorite store-bought rub or make one home with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. This is important for adding flavor to the ribs before cooking.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite glazing typeโ sweet, smoky, or spicy. You can make your own with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices if youโre up for it. The sauce helps create that nice, sticky finish. For a fun twist on flavor, try this homemade Cherry Barbecue Sauce. Its sweet and tangy notes complement the smoky Dr. Pepper glaze perfectly.
- Slow Cooker (10โ12 quart): A larger slow cooker is best so the ribs fit well and cook evenly. If yours is smaller, consider halving the recipe or cutting the ribs into smaller pieces.
- Basting Brush: A silicone basting brush is great for spreading barbecue sauce evenly and is easier to clean than regular brushes.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet: This keeps the ribs in place when you broil them and catches any sauce drips, so your oven stays clean.
These tools and ingredients are essential for making tasty, tender ribs with little effort. With these tips, youโre all set to succeed!
Troubleshooting and Help
Yes, itโs worth the extra effort! Removing the membrane makes the ribs more tender and helps the flavors soak in. If youโre unsure how to do it, grab a paper towel to get a good grip and pullโitโs easier than it sounds.
Sure! Spare ribs are larger and meatier, so theyโll take longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
You could, but the dry rub adds an extra layer of flavor thatโs worth it. If youโre in a hurry, even a simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will do the trick. You can also use this Apricot Barbecue Sauce instead of traditional barbecue sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs beautifully with tender ribs.
Yes! Cooking on high takes about 4โ5 hours instead of 8โ10, which is great if youโre short on time. Remember that low and slow is better for that extra-tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Technically, no, but I recommend it! Broiling caramelizes the barbecue sauce and gives the ribs that sticky, saucy finish. It only takes a couple of minutes, and the difference is huge.
Cook the ribs ahead of time and broil them at the party. You can transport them in the slow cooker or a foil-lined baking dish to keep them warm.
I hope you love these tender ribs as much as we do! Theyโre perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. Make a big batch to share with friends and family, or save the leftovers for a quick, satisfying lunch.


By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.