Step 1

Optional: You can brown the ribs before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a nice flavor profile to the ribs. To brown the ribs you can heat up a large cast iron skillet until very hot and add the ribs a few at a time allowing them to brown on each side OR you can broil them or grill them for 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Step 2

Loosely place ribs in a 5 quart or larger slow cooker OR a 3.5 quart casserole slow cooker.

Step 3

In a small bowl mix together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and if using a dash of hot sauce.

Step 4

Pour sauce mixture evenly over ribs in the slow cooker.

Step 5

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 12 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours.