These incredibly tender Dr Pepper Ribs are perfect for any night of the week. This easy rib recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, soaking up all the bold flavors of Dr Pepper resulting in juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce.
Easy Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Ribs
Slow-cooker ribs are very underrated. It’s a fantastic method to get delicious food where you don’t have to spend a lot of hands-on time in the kitchen. This recipe adds so much flavor to the ribs and you bake them at the end for the perfect amount of caramelization on the sauce. The Dr Pepper makes the meat fall off the bone tender while adding a subtle sweetness.
I make these Dr Pepper ribs for dinner fairly often. They pair well with a variety of side dishes, so I can create a whole new dinner. Plus, my kids love them! If you have picky little ones, give this recipe a try! Whether hosting a weekend cookout or craving some seriously delicious comfort food, this easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you love cooking with Dr Pepper like we do, also try our Dr Pepper Baked Beans, Dr Pepper Ham, Dr Pepper Pulled Pork, Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce and for dessert Dr Pepper Brownies or Cherry Dr Pepper Cake!
Why You’ll Love These Dr Pepper Ribs
- Minimal prep is needed. There are not many steps to getting these ribs ready to go in the slow cooker.
- Budget-friendly. The ingredients in this Dr Pepper rib recipe are very affordable.
- Weeknight favorite. I love preparing this recipe for dinner on a busy weeknight.
What You’ll Need
There are a few ingredients needed to make these ribs. The Dr Pepper soda and country-style ribs are most important, but you may improvise on the flavor of barbecue sauce and spices that you use! For more information, scroll to the recipe card below.
- Country-style pork ribs: I use bone-in country-style ribs for this recipe. The bone adds more flavor to the meat.
- Dr. Pepper: You’ll need two 12-oz cans. One goes into the crock pot with the ribs, and the other is added to the sauce to finish the ribs and reinforce the Dr. Pepper flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand and variety of BBQ or make Homemade BBQ Sauce!
- Liquid smoke: I add a little bit of liquid smoke to give the ribs the signature smoky flavor you get from cooking them on the grill. You can leave it out if you prefer.
- Spices: I keep it simple with garlic powder and black pepper. You may use other spices like paprika and onion powder if you like.
How to Make Dr Pepper Ribs in the Slow Cooker
Here is how you make this Crock Pot ribs recipe. It’s very easy to prepare and the Dr Pepper helps to tenderize the meat and cook it to perfection before you switch it to the oven to caramelize!
- Put the ribs and soda in the pot. Place the pork ribs into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour one can of Dr Pepper over the top.
- Cover and cook. Add the lid and cook the pork for about 7 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat.
- Prep the oven and sheet pan. Towards the end of the cooking time, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and a wire rack.
- Make the sauce. Add BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, black pepper, and ⅓ cup of Dr Pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Brush and bake. Transfer the ribs to the rack and brush with the sauce. Bake them for 15 minutes.
- Flip and repeat. Remove the pan from the oven, flip the ribs, and baste the other side with more sauce. Then, bake them for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve. Enjoy with extra sauce for dipping and your favorite side dish.
Serving Ideas
Serve popular cook-out side dishes with these Dr Pepper ribs like Creamy Potato Salad, Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, or Grilled Pineapple.
For a delicious dinner, here are some ideas of what to make with the ribs; Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Crockpot Creamed Corn, and Southern Collard Greens Recipe.
Tips for Success
- Grill instead of bake. You may put these Dr Pepper ribs on a hot grill to add char instead of baking them in the oven.
- Try diet soda. Substitute original Dr Pepper with diet Dr Pepper if you prefer.
- Use beef ribs. This recipe is great with beef, too. Keep an eye on them because the cooking time will differ slightly.
- Choose the Right Ribs: Baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: For an extra layer of flavor, don’t skip the broiling step. It adds a nice caramelized crust to the ribs that enhances their BBQ flavor.
- Experiment with BBQ Sauces: While any BBQ sauce will work, trying out different flavors can take these ribs to the next level. A spicy or smoky BBQ sauce can add an exciting twist.
Proper Storage
Store leftover slow cooker ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, allow them to cool completely and place them in a Ziploc freezer-safe bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat the ribs in the oven at 350 degrees F, wrapped in foil. Save extra sauce so you may serve it with them. Ensure that you thaw the frozen pork in the refrigerator before you reheat it.
More Rib Recipes to Try
- Chinese Spare Ribs
- Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
- Braised Short Ribs
- Instant Pot Ribs Recipe with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs
Dr Pepper Ribs
Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 12 ounce Dr. Pepper soda divided
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, pour 1 can of soda over ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for about 4.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place a wire rack on prepared baking sheet.
- Stir together BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder and pepper with 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper.
- Move ribs from the slow cooker to wire rack.
- Brush ribs with sauce and bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip ribs, brush again and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with remaining sauce.
Last Step:
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Notes
- Grill instead of bake. You may put these Dr Pepper ribs on a hot grill to add char instead of baking them in the oven.
- Try diet soda. Substitute original Dr Pepper with diet Dr Pepper if you prefer.
- Use beef ribs. This recipe is great with beef, too. Keep an eye on them because the cooking time will differ slightly.
- Choose the Right Ribs: Baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: For an extra layer of flavor, don’t skip the broiling step. It adds a nice caramelized crust to the ribs that enhances their BBQ flavor.
- Experiment with BBQ Sauces: While any BBQ sauce will work, trying out different flavors can take these ribs to the next level. A spicy or smoky BBQ sauce can add an exciting twist.
Nutrition
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76 comments on “Dr Pepper Ribs”
Can I just bake these in oven and by pass the slow cooker part of cooking
Could I use regular pork ribs instead of country style?
Excellent works exactly the same with coke a cola or sprite. Try them all. I’m going to try root beer next.
Hi! I have a question. I ended up buying about a pound more of ribs than the 4.5 in the recipe. Should I in turn double the ingredients? And do I still cook for 7 hours? Thank you!
There’s almost 7 cups of liquid in this recipe. You could always add a little more BBQ sauce to compensate for the few extra ribs. Probably 1/4-1/2 cup would be enough. This isn’t an exact science so you’d be fine adding the extra BBQ sauce.
Not sure if I want to add the liquid smoke, has anyone done them both ways? If so does it make a big diffrence without the smoke?
I hate liquid smoke and I’ve made these several time without…delicious!
The liquid smoke does work but it is real easy to over do it. If you take them from the pot and stick them on a grill instead of putting them in the oven they actually turn out better, no liquid smoke needed.
Sub liquid smoke for cumin…
I made it without the smoke because my daughter can’t handle the hint of heat. It’s too sweet to me and a bit dry but I find a lot of ribs have a dry texture inside. She loves them. So if you don’t like heat I’m sure you’ll like the ribs with liquid heat
Very tasty and tender. These are great with mashed potatoes.
I have done boneless chicken breast and chicken legs
Tried this it was so awesome!! But was wondering if I can do the something for chicken?
I cook them in a Ninja cooker.
wondering if anyone has tried these in the InstaPot???
These ribs are incredible. They don’t taste like Dr. Pepper. They have a great flavor and are very tender. I throw them in the grill for the saucing.
The fact is all you need is a pot of water it takes a lot less time. Bring to a boil then adjust to a slow rolling boiling about an hour ribs are ready for the oven or grill. I put seasoning salt in the water my personal preferance. From start to finish less than two hours.
These are great just finished now got to make more.
look divine cannot wait to try them.
My go to recipe minus the liquid smoke.
Ooops – *should* not ‘ahld’
Can diet soda be used? I have heard that diet soda ahld never be heated 🙁
Sounds amazing!! Can diet DP be substituted? For more of a low carb dish?
These ribs are incredible. They don’t taste like Dr. Oepper. They have a great flavor and are very tender. I throw them in the grill for the saucing.
This recipe works with both regular Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper.
How many people do these crockpot Dr. Pepper ribs serve? I plan on making them for the Super Bowl!
pretty sure it depends on how many ribs each person eats.
Amazing. Only way to do ribs now! Question on one of your other recipes. Think it was called philly cheese steak. I understand the recipe, but it said put roast (after searing and doing the onions) back into the insta pot and cook on high for 30 minutes. It did not say anything about water!? Am I to add any water?
I don’t like Dr. Pepper soda, but these sound delicious. Do they taste like Dr. Pepper?
Nope, just tender. You can also use cola or rootbeet
Used this recipe for pulled BBQ pork and it’s amazing
They look amazing..can’t wait to make them soon. I love Dr Pepper so I know they are delicious.
Im just getting ready to put them in the oven. I pulled out of the slow cooker the most tender , and very juicey rib bites it completely fell apart. Im giving you 5 stars!
Yay! So glad you loved them Brenda!!
These were Delicious!
I followed this recipe to a T and I doubled it, because I have a big 10 qt crock pot. The cook time is way too long (at least for my crock pot it was). On low, about 6 hours is plenty of time. Also, when you put them in the oven, only about 7 minutes is needed. 15 minutes really dried them out. I will make this again for sure, with the time adjusted. The flavor was amazing! They were even tastier the 2nd day.