Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These ribs are incredibly easy to make—just set them in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness, perfectly balancing the bold flavors of your favorite BBQ sauce. You get all the rich, smoky taste of traditional ribs without firing up the grill or oven. Plus, they’re great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
• Pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, sliced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika or chili powder (optional, for extra depth)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, brown sugar, soy sauce

Directions

1. Pat the ribs dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or chili powder.
2. Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Arrange the ribs over the onion layer.
4. Top with pineapple chunks and pour BBQ sauce over the ribs. Add pineapple juice if using.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart.
6. Optional: To caramelize the top, transfer cooked ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes, brushing with extra BBQ sauce.
7. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Cook time is 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Prep time takes about 10 minutes.

Variations

• Use beef ribs: Adjust cooking time slightly; beef ribs may take longer.
• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ mix.
• Add Asian flair: Mix in soy sauce and ginger for a teriyaki-inspired version.
• Use boneless ribs: Country-style pork ribs work great and are even easier to serve.
• Swap BBQ sauce: Try a smoky, spicy, or honey-based BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Make it tropical: Add sliced bell peppers and a splash of coconut milk for a Polynesian twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave until warmed through. Ribs can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the ribs are done?

They’re ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Can I use boneless ribs?

Yes, boneless country-style pork ribs work perfectly and cook slightly faster.

Should I remove the membrane from the ribs?

Yes, for the most tender results, remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works—choose one that complements the sweetness of pineapple.

Can I cook these overnight?

Yes, set the slow cooker to low for 6–8 hours and wake up to ready-to-go ribs.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, cook them fully and store in the fridge. Reheat and broil just before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or even cabbage can be added in the last few hours of cooking.

What sides go well with pineapple BBQ ribs?

Coleslaw, cornbread, rice, grilled vegetables, or potato salad pair beautifully.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely. Fresh pineapple offers a more natural sweetness and a slightly firmer texture.

How do I keep the ribs from falling apart too much?

Use tongs and a spatula to lift them gently after cooking. Broiling can also help firm them up for serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Ribs are the ultimate hands-off, flavor-packed meal. With their perfect balance of sweet and smoky, these tender ribs make a delicious and fuss-free dinner that feels like a backyard BBQ—no grill required. Ideal for weeknights, entertaining, or meal prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Ribs

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Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Ribs are sweet, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Made with pork ribs, juicy pineapple, and your favorite BBQ sauce, this easy slow-cooked dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6–8 hours
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)
• Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp soy sauce, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Pat ribs dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
2. Layer sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Place ribs on top of onion layer. Top with pineapple chunks.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs. Add pineapple juice for extra flavor if desired.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until ribs are tender.
6. Optional: Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
7. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for best texture.
• Use beef ribs or boneless pork ribs if preferred, adjusting cook time as needed.
• Customize with your favorite BBQ sauce flavor—sweet, smoky, or spicy.
• For extra heat, add hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce mix.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 6 servings)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg