Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke

There’s something magical about tender, saucy ribs that basically slide right off the bone. Enter the Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke.

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These Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke are perfect for people who love sweet, smoky flavor but don’t want to mess with a big grill or fancy tools.

Picture this: you come home after a long day, and a pot of juicy, bone-tender ribs is waiting for you, ready to make your day a whole lot better.

I used to think ribs were tricky to make. I’d see all those TV shows featuring pitmasters, giant smokers, and special rubs.

But then I discovered the crock pot ribs technique. Suddenly, making tender ribs seemed as simple as tossing them into a slow cooker and letting “low and slow” magic happen.

Even better, adding a little Coke to the slow cooker gives them a mild sweetness that balances the smoky flavor of the bbq sauce. It makes your house smell fantastic!!

Once they’re done slow cooking, you can broil them to get that caramelized, sticky coating. It’s a great way to finish them off without much time or fuss.

So if you’re ready for a meal that feels like the smoky goodness of a summer barbecue—even in the middle of winter—these Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke should be on your must-try list. 

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Jump to:

• WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
• HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER BARBECUE RIBS WITH COKE:
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
• WHAT KIND OF RIBS SHOULD I USE?
• HOW LONG DO THESE HAVE TO COOK FOR?
• DO I HAVE TO USE CHERRY?
• ANY ADDITIONS?
• ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
• HOW TO STORE:
• DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
• Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke

1. Low Heat = Tender Meat
   Cooking the ribs on low heat in a slow cooker (or “crock pot”) helps break down the connective tissue in the bone ribs, resulting in super tender ribs that basically melt in your mouth.
2. Coke Adds Sweetness and Moisture
   Pour Coke (or a similar soda) into the slow cooker to keep the ribs moist and sweet. 
3. Easy Recipe, Minimal Cleanup
   Slow cooking is a breeze: layer ribs in the pot, pour your sauce, and let the cooker do the heavy lifting. 

• Baby back ribs
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Barbecue sauce
• Coca-Cola

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1. Place the ribs into the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder and smoked paprika over the ribs.
3. In a bowl combine 1 cup of bbq sauce, the cherry cola, the brown sugar and the cherry juice. 
4. Pour half of the mixture over the ribs, reserve the other half for later.
5. Cook the ribs on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the ribs are tender. 
6. In a skillet or saucepan add the remaining cherry cola mixture and the remaining 1 cup of bbq sauce.
7. Whisk over medium high heat until the sauce comes up to a bubble and cooks down until nice and glazy, about 10 minutes.

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1. Remove the ribs and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
2. Once the sauce is glazy and thick brush the sauce onto the ribs.
3. Place the ribs under the broiler until lightly caramelized.

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WHAT KIND OF RIBS SHOULD I USE?

I like baby back ribs because they’re tender and cook nicely in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.

But you can use other cuts like boneless ribs or beef ribs—just keep in mind you may need to adjust the cook time a bit.

HOW LONG DO THESE HAVE TO COOK FOR?

You can do 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

If you have more time, you could do 8-10 hours on low for extra-fall-apart ribs.

Slower, longer times often mean even more tender meat, so pick what fits your day.

DO I HAVE TO USE CHERRY?

No need for cherry anything if you’re not into it.

A can of regular Coke (or even Dr. Pepper or root beer) works just fine.

Just make sure to add enough soda to help keep the ribs moist.

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ANY ADDITIONS?

Want to jazz up your Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs?

• Liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor without an actual smoker.
• Brown sugar in the rub mixture if you like sweet ribs.
• A splash of hot sauce if you want a spicy kick in your sauce.
• Sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker for added savory depth.
• BBQ sauce mixed with a spoonful of mexican style chili powder for a southwestern twist.
• Garlic cloves crushed and thrown in for a flavor boost.
• Teaspoon of salt or extra seasonings like thyme or oregano if you love herbs.
• A little extra bbq sauce drizzled on after broiling for a sticky finish.
• Pineapple tidbits if you adore a tropical sweet-and-savory combo.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Need to swap something out? Try these five alternatives:

• Boneless country-style pork ribs if you prefer no bones at all—just lower the cooking time by about an hour.
• Instant Pot or air fryers for cooking if you’re short on time—though the steps might differ slightly.
• Bone-In Pork Chops instead of ribs if that’s what you have on hand.
• Root beer or Dr. Pepper instead of Coke for a similar soda-based sweetness.
• Homemade sauce made from tomato paste, vinegar, and spices in place of store-bought bbq sauce if you want total control over the flavors.

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Refrigerator:
Wrap any leftover ribs tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container.

They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

When you’re ready for round two, heat them in the oven or microwave until hot.

Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the cooked ribs for up to 3 months.

Make sure they’re cooled first, then place them in a freezer bag or container.

Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

This is a great way to plan ahead for busy nights.

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And that’s it— Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke that are tender, tasty, and oh-so-simple to make!

So grab your slow cooker, pop in those ribs, pour coke (or your favorite soda) over them, and let the magic happen.