It only took me ten years to discover that the fastest way to my husband’s heart is simply to cook more MEAT! Over the past year, I’ve been working on developing more quick & easy freezer friendly recipes for my family, I’ve never seen him quite so enthusiastic about dinnertime  While it was a little intimidating at first, as a life-long vegetarian, to start cooking meat, I have to admit that I’ve been having a lot of fun coming up with new ideas. I am also pretty psyched about being able to maintain a whole freezer full of meals that my family absolutely loves!

These super easy sweet and spicy ribs take just minutes to prep before throwing them in the freezer (or directly into the crockpot if not planning to freeze them ahead of time.)  The liquid smoke is optional but it does add a nice dose of smokey flavor & is highly recommended. You can find it in the grocery store next to the barbecue sauce!

Ingredients you need for this sweet and spicy BBQ ribs recipe

Here is what you need:

6-8 pounds pork ribs
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup Sriracha sauce (more or less to taste!)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
Barbecue sauce (optional, cooking day only)
 
Season the ribs with the spice rub.

Step 1:  Rub meat with  season salt and  cayenne pepper.

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Mix together ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl and set aside

Step 2: In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic , red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce and liquid smoke until smooth.

Divide the ingredients into 2 gallon freezer bags and freeze until cooking night!

Step 3: Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!)Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.

Defrost and toss the ribs in the slow cooker, set to high until cooked

Step 4: Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5-8 hours. If you don’t have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer–5-8 hours instead of 4-6. Once cooked, remove from crock pot and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve with coleslaw and hot sauce for an added kick.

 

These sweet and spicy BBQ ribs are a delicious dinner. Serve with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a hearty meal

 

Sweet & Spicy Ribs | Easy Freezer-to-Crockpot Recipe | Barbecue Ribs | Meat Recipes
5 from 1 vote
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Sweet and Spicy Ribs

These slow-cooker freezer friendly ribs melt in your mouth and are sure to be a new family favorite!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Sweet & Spicy Ribs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Author Ruth Soukup

Ingredients

  • 6-8 pounds pork ribs
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce more or less to taste!
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1 tablespoon  liquid smoke optional
  • Barbecue sauce optional, cooking day only

Instructions

  1. Rub meat with season salt and cayenne pepper.
  2. In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic , red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce and liquid smoke until smooth.
  3. Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!) Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.
  4. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.   If you don't have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer--5-7 hours instead of 4-6. Once cooked, remove from crock pot and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve with coleslaw and hot sauce for an added kick.

 

Sweet & Spicy Ribs | Easy Freezer-to-Crockpot Recipe | Barbecue Ribs | Meat Recipes

Ruth Soukup

Ruth Soukup - LIVING WELL SPENDING LESS. Practical solutions for everyday overwhelm. Food Made Simple, Life Etc., Home 101, Smart Money. Start organizing your whole life today!

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Ever feel like you just can't keep up? Our Living Well Starter Guide will show you how to start streamlining your life in just 3 simple steps. It's a game changer--get it free for a limited time!


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