Gather all ingredients.

Mix together brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until combined. Add rib tips and mix until ribs are thoroughly coated. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Place coated ribs in a slow cooker. Stir together 3/4 of the BBQ sauce with liquid smoke in a medium bowl until well combined. Pour evenly over ribs. Cook on Low until ribs are tender, 4 to 6 hours. Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking tray or broiler rack with aluminum foil.

Remove ribs to the prepared tray and baste with remaining BBQ sauce.

Cook ribs under the preheated broiler until sauce is hot and sticky, 3 to 5 minutes per side.