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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs is an easy way to cook baby back ribs without the grill. These ribs are tender, juicy and fall off the bone delicious.
If you love ribs as much as we do, check Crock Pot Country Style Ribs.
Ingredients:
- Baby Back Pork Ribs
- Brown Sugar
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Black Pepper
- Salt
- Water
- Barbecue Sauce (divided)
How to Make Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
- Step 1 – Remove Membrane – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a butter knife to lift the membrane and then pull the entire membrane off the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
- Step 2 – Combine Seasoning – Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl. Evenly rub the seasonings on both sides of the ribs.
- Step 3 – Add ribs to slow cooker – Place the ribs in a slow cooker. Pour the water into the slow cooker around the ribs. Then pour the barbecue sauce on top of the ribs.
- Step 4 – Slow Cook Ribs – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Step 5 – Broil Ribs – After the cook time, place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and brush the ribs with the remaining barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-4 minutes until caramelized in a preheated oven.
- Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve warm and enjoy.
How long does it take to Cook Ribs in a Slow Cooker:
After seasoning the baby back ribs, place in the slow cooker. Slow cook the rack of ribs on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. We like to cook on low which always results in tender ribs.
Make sure to not over cook the ribs. You want the meat to be tender but not pull pork tender. You still want to be able to pull the ribs off with a fork.
Can the Baby Back Ribs Dry be Prepared ahead of time?
Yes, this dry can be prepared ahead of time. We love making homemade seasoning and keep the stored in the pantry for all different types of meats. This makes this recipe even easier when you have the dry rub already prepared.
Tips for Crockpot Baby Back Ribs:
- BBQ Sauce – You can easily use your favorite type of BBQ sauce to make this recipe.
- Removing Ribs – Be careful when moving the ribs from the crock pot to the sheet pan as they may fall apart. I use 2 sets of tongs to carefully remove them from the crock pot after the cooking time.
- Seasoning – Make sure to thoroughly coat the ribs with the dry rub. The seasoning gives the ribs so much flavor. Feel free to use whatever seasoning you prefer.
- Broiling Ribs – We recommend broiling the baby back ribs which allows the ribs to have a crispy texture.
- Crock Pot Size – We used a slow cooker that was 8 quart. My family is large, so I use a large size slow cooker. Depending on the size of the baby back ribs will depend on how large of a slow cooker you will need.
- Placing ribs in the Slow Cooker – If you are trying to cook a large rack, you may need to curl the ribs to fit into your slow cooker. If necessary you can always stack the ribs in the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Baby Back Ribs:
There are many different sides that you can serve with these delicious ribs. These are some of our favorites.
- Twice Bake Potatoes – We love these potatoes as a delicious side dish with these ribs. They are easy to make and are full of flavor. We have even made Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for another delicious side dish.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta – If you are going to a BBQ or potluck, this is a very easy dish to make without much time or expense.
- Easy Jalapeno Corn Casserole – The entire casserole is moist and really savory. I just know you will love it. We love serving this quick and easy casserole as a side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – You can easily roast some broccoli or asparagus for an easy side dish.
- More Side Recipes – If you are looking for more sides to serve with your ribs, check out these easy recipes.
How do I Remove the Membrane from the Ribs:
Place the ribs so the back side is up, run a knife between the meat and the top membrane layer to separate it. With you hands, remove the membrane.
Can I use a Different Cut of Meat?
I love using baby back ribs for this recipe but spare ribs, country style pork ribs and beef short ribs will work in this recipe as well.
We love cooking ribs in the slow cooker because of how tender and juicy they get.
Do you put Liquid in a Slow Cooker of Ribs?
We like to add the liquid for added flavor but you can easily leave it off. Make sure to add the dry rub to give the baby back ribs flavor and tenderness.
How to Store Leftovers:
Refrigerate the leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you are ready to reheat, you can easily reheat in the oven or microwave them. They make for a delicious lunch the next day.
Why we love these Baby Back Rib Recipe:
- Simple Recipe – We love that these baby back ribs require very little prep work. Anyone can make this recipe because of the simple steps.
- Tender Ribs – The results after cooking in the slow cooker is tender and juicy ribs. These ribs melt in your mouth and perfect for any occasions or a weeknight meal.
- Dry Rub – The dry rub is made from simple pantry ingredients. It is a combination of sweet and salty with the added brown sugar.
- Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ Sauce. You can make your own or any flavor you prefer. Cooking the ribs in the BBQ sauce all day gives the ribs so much flavor.
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 pound Baby Back Pork Ribs
- 1 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3/4 cup Barbecue Sauce divided
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a butter knife to lift the membrane and then pull the entire membrane off the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
- Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl. Evenly rub the seasonings on both sides of the ribs.
- Place the ribs in a slow cooker. Pour the water into the slow cooker around the ribs. Then pour the barbecue sauce on top of the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender.
- After the cook time, place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and brush the ribs with the remaining barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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Great ribs, but instead of water, I cut up 1or 2 onions instead of the water! If you like onions, like I do, you’ll have them for your meal.
The recipe says 3/4 cup of barbecue sauce divided. Should I do 3/8 cup barbecue sauce in the slow cooker with the ribs, and keep back 3/8 cup barbecue sauce back to brush the ribs for broiling?