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If you’re craving tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs that pack a punch of flavor, you’ve landed in the right place. These Dr. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs are the ultimate comfort food with only 3 simple ingredients! Whether you're planning a laid-back family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy crockpot recipe is sure to impress.

No grill? No problem. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering ribs so tender you won’t believe they didn’t come from your favorite BBQ joint. Let’s dive in!

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: All you need are ribs, Dr. Pepper, and BBQ sauce.
• Set It & Forget It: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweetness of Dr. Pepper blends perfectly with BBQ sauce to create a mouthwatering glaze.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the restaurant prices and make amazing ribs at home.

 

 

Ingredients for Dr. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple recipe:

Ribs: Pork or beef, whichever you prefer. Pork baby back ribs work especially well!
Dr. Pepper: The secret ingredient that adds sweetness and caramelized flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
Optional: Salt, pepper, or a dry rub seasoning to add extra depth of flavor.

Don’t have a crockpot? Grab this highly-rated cooker to make ribs a breeze!

What’s your favorite BBQ sauce? Let me know below!

 

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Pat your ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, or your favorite dry rub.

Pro Tip: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture and tenderness.
Not sure how to prep ribs? Follow this guide to remove the membrane easily!

Step 2: Load the Crockpot

1. Place the ribs into your crockpot. If needed, cut them into smaller sections to fit.
2. Pour an entire bottle of Dr. Pepper over the ribs.
3. Add one bottle of BBQ sauce, making sure the ribs are fully coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours.
• The ribs are ready when they’re tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 4: Optional Grilling Finish

For that perfect charred finish:

1. Preheat your grill (or oven broiler) to medium-high.
2. Brush the ribs with additional BBQ sauce.
3. Grill or broil for 3–5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.

 

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What to Serve with Dr. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs

These ribs pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides:

• Creamy Coleslaw: The tanginess balances the sweetness of the ribs.
• Cornbread: A Southern classic!
• Mac & Cheese: Comfort food heaven.
• Roasted Veggies: A lighter option for a balanced meal.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Ribs

• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: A good rub or simple salt and pepper enhances the flavor.
• Use the Right Ribs: Pork baby back ribs are more tender, while spare ribs are meatier.
• Don’t Overcook: While crockpots are forgiving, check for tenderness after the minimum cook time.
• Layer the Sauce: For even more flavor, baste the ribs with BBQ sauce halfway through cooking.

Why Dr. Pepper Works Magic on Ribs

You might be wondering why Dr. Pepper? This popular soda doesn’t just add sweetness; its unique blend of 23 flavors creates a depth that complements the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. It also helps tenderize the meat, making the ribs extra juicy.

 

 

 

Easy Dr. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Easy DR. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs | Looking for an easy but delicious dinner? Crock pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Rib are slow cooked in BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper, caramelized to tangy perfection.

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs. {approx.} ribs
• 18 oz. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
• 6 oz. Dr. Pepper
• ⅛ tsp. Salt
• ⅛ tsp. Pepper

Instructions

1. Cut Rib rack to fit your crock pot. If needed, remove membrane.
2. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place in Crockpot.
3. Pour BBQ Sauce and 6 oz. Dr. Pepper in bowl and mix well. Reserving 1/2 cup, pour remaining sauce over ribs in the crock pot. Place lid on crock pot. Cook on HIGH 4 hours, or LOW 8 hours, or until ribs are done.
4. When cooked, remove ribs from cock pot. Brush on the remaining sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield 6 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 552Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 200mgSodium 179mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 60g

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different soda?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of Dr. Pepper, try Coca-Cola or root beer for a similar effect.

Do I need to brown the ribs before slow cooking?

It’s not necessary, but you can sear them in a skillet for extra flavor if you have time.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Absolutely! Wrap the ribs in foil and bake at 300°F for 2.5–3 hours. Then, brush with sauce and broil for a few minutes. Make grilling or finishing these ribs easier with this silicone basting brush.

How many calories are in ribs?

Check out the estimated nutrition for ribs here.

How long does it take to cook ribs in a crockpot?

Crockpot ribs take 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to become tender and fall off the bone.

Fun fact:

Did you know Dr. Pepper was created in 1885?

 

 

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof way to make irresistible ribs, this Dr. Pepper BBQ Crockpot Ribs recipe is it. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these ribs will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ready to give it a try? Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

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