Applesauce BBQ Slow Cooker Spareribs

Applesauce BBQ Slow Cooker Spareribs are fall-apart tender ribs cooked low and slow in the crock pot with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

 These Applesauce BBQ Slow Cooker Spareribs are one of those easy comfort food dinners that feels special without a lot of effort. The ribs cook low and slow in the crock pot until they are fall-apart tender, while the applesauce adds natural sweetness and helps create a rich, sticky barbecue sauce.

This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying without hovering over the stove. Everything goes into the slow cooker, and by the time dinner rolls around, you have flavourful ribs that can be served straight from the crock or quickly finished under the broiler for a caramelised edge.

If you love slow cooker ribs, easy crock pot dinners, or budget-friendly meals that feed a crowd, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ribs

• Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can set slightly.
• Do not add extra liquid. The ribs release plenty of moisture as they cook.
• For easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner or lightly grease the crock.
• Broiling at the end adds flavour, but the ribs are fully cooked without it.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pork spareribs – Full racks work best and should be cut into smaller sections so they fit easily in the slow cooker. Baby back ribs can be used if that’s what you have, but they tend to cook faster and are a bit leaner.
• Applesauce – Unsweetened applesauce is recommended. Sweetened applesauce can be used, but it will make the sauce sweeter overall. Smooth applesauce works best for an even sauce.
• BBQ sauce – Use any store-bought barbecue sauce you like. A regular or smoky BBQ sauce works well. If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, you can slightly reduce the brown sugar.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps balance the vinegar. Either light or dark brown sugar will work.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity and keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet. White vinegar can be used if needed, but apple cider vinegar pairs better with the applesauce.
• Onion – Finely diced so it blends well into the sauce. Yellow or white onions are both good options.
• Apple – Any firm apple works. This adds extra apple flavour as the ribs cook and helps round out the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Applesauce BBQ Slow Cooker Spareribs pair well with fresh, simple sides that balance the rich, sweet barbecue flavour.

• Black Eyed Peas Bean Salad for a hearty, make-ahead side that works well for potlucks and family dinners
• 5 Bean Salad as a classic, budget-friendly option with a tangy dressing
• Grilled Crack Corn Salad for a smoky, slightly sweet contrast that pairs nicely with ribs
• Creamy coleslaw for a cool, crunchy side that cuts through the richness
• Potato salad or macaroni salad for an easy, filling option that can be prepped ahead
• Garden salad with a light vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced
• Corn on the cob or buttered corn for a classic barbecue pairing
• Baked beans for a comforting, budget-friendly addition

Applesauce BBQ Slow Cooker Spareribs

Yields: 6 Servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Cook time: 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low

Ingredients

• 5 lb Pork Spareribs (2 racks)
• 1 1/2 cup Applesauce
• 18 oz BBQ Sauce
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Onion, finely diced
• 1 Apple, cored and sliced

Directions

1. Cut the ribs into portion-sized sections, about three ribs per piece, so they fit easily in the slow cooker.

1. Arrange the ribs around the sides and bottom of the slow cooker with the meaty side facing the crock.
2. Spread the sliced apple over the ribs. (Image 1)
3. In a blender, combine the onion, applesauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and half of the BBQ sauce. Blend until smooth. (Image 2)

1. Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs.
2. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the ribs are very tender.
3. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce.
4. For crispier ribs, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.