These Slow Cooker Honey Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort. Infused with a sweet and sticky honey glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and just the right touch of sweetness. Let your slow cooker do the work for 6 hours, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas that promise a meal worth waiting for.
With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is a game-changer for busy days. The ribs emerge juicy and caramelized, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with a hint of tangy depth. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, these ribs are sure to impress with their rich flavors and effortless preparation.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs (can substitute with bone-in ribs for extra flavor)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth (low-sodium works well if preferred)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (pure maple syrup recommended for best flavor)
- 3 Tbsp honey (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the slow cooker)
- Extra barbecue sauce (for brushing before broiling)
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Ribs
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the ribs: Place the boneless country-style pork ribs in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, honey, barbecue sauce, and dry mustard. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Pour over ribs: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Broil for finishing: Preheat your broiler. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-covered baking sheet. Brush generously with extra barbecue sauce. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the ribs are browned and bubbly on top.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Rib Feast
Pair your Slow Cooker Honey Ribs with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, try a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage and Reheating Tips to Keep Ribs Tender
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For extra juiciness, brush with a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating.
Recipe Variations to Spice Things Up
Swap the pork ribs for beef short ribs or chicken thighs for a different twist. Add a kick by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika or chili powder to the sauce. For a tangier flavor, substitute apple cider vinegar for half of the beef broth.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply pour it over the ribs in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours—just keep an eye on the tenderness.
Equipment Guidance for Best Results
Use a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding. A foil-lined baking sheet is a must for broiling the ribs—it makes cleanup a breeze. For easy sauce mixing, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and a whisk to combine ingredients smoothly.
Slow Cooker Honey Ribs
Equipment
- slow cooker
- mixing bowl
- foil-covered baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless country style pork ribs
- 14.5 ounces can beef broth
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 3 Tbsp barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Lightly spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place ribs in the bottom of slow cooker.
- Combine beef broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, honey, barbecue sauce and dry mustard in a mixing bowl. Pour over ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove ribs from slow cooker and brush ribs with extra BBQ sauce and put under the broiler for 5 minutes on a foil-covered baking sheet to get them brown and bubbly.