There's nothing quite like the tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness of baby back ribs, especially when they're cooked slowly to perfection. However, not everyone has the time or equipment to manage the traditional barbecue method. This is where the slow cooker shines, offering a convenient and foolproof way to prepare mouthwatering ribs at home with minimal effort. This slow cooker baby back ribs recipe ensures that you can enjoy deliciously tender ribs with a flavor-packed crust any day of the week, no grill required!
Ingredients
To create these irresistible slow cooker baby back ribs, you’ll need:
- Baby Back Ribs: 2-3 pounds, membrane removed for better seasoning absorption.
- Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup, plus extra for serving. Choose your favorite brand or a homemade version.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, to add a hint of sweetness and help the sauce caramelize.
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon, for a smoky touch.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for a bit of a spicy kick.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning your ribs perfectly.
Instructions
Preparation:
- Season the Ribs: Start by mixing the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the ribs, ensuring every nook is well-coated. This not only flavors the ribs but also helps to tenderize them.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Cut the ribs into smaller sections, if necessary, to fit them into your slow cooker. You can stack them on their sides or roll them up to maximize space. The key is to allow the heat to circulate around each section.
Cooking:
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, making sure they are evenly coated. The sauce will mingle with the spices and the juices from the ribs to create a deliciously rich and flavorful cooking medium.
- Set to Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking method is preferred for the most tender results.
Finishing Touches:
- Broil for Crispiness: Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. They will be very tender, so handle them gently. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and brush them with a bit more barbecue sauce.
- Broil: Pop the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. This step adds a delightful texture and intensifies the flavors.
Conclusion
These slow cooker baby back ribs are a game-changer for anyone looking for an easy yet delicious meal. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the ribs with deep, smoky flavors and achieving that coveted tender texture. Finish them under the broiler to mimic the crispy exterior that barbecue grilling provides. Serve these ribs with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or your favorite salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. This recipe is not only a testament to the versatility of the slow cooker but also to the fact that great, comforting food doesn't require complex methods. Enjoy the ease and the amazing taste of your home-cooked ribs!

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the ultimate in tenderness with these slow cooker baby back ribs. Cooked low and slow, these ribs are seasoned to perfection and finished with a flavorful BBQ sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth meal that's perfect for any BBQ or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Trim the ribs of any excess fat and remove the membrane from the back of each rack.
- Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mix all over the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, curling them around the edges with the meaty side facing out.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- Remove ribs from the slow cooker and brush them with barbecue sauce.
- Optionally, broil the ribs in the oven for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can customize the dry rub with your favorite spices or add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper.
- For even more flavor, marinate the ribs with the dry rub overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅓ rack
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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