Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are the ultimate in fall-off-the-bone, flavorful comfort food. With just a few ingredients and almost no hands-on time, these tender, juicy ribs are cooked low and slow to perfection. Finished with a sticky layer of barbecue sauce, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes all the guesswork out of making delicious ribs. No grill? No smoker? No problem! The slow cooker delivers perfectly tender meat every time. It’s an easy, no-fuss method that’s great for busy days, and the result is restaurant-quality ribs with minimal effort. Serve them at your next cookout, game day, or family dinner and watch them disappear.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Baby back pork ribs
• Your favorite dry rub or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar
• Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Apple cider vinegar or water (optional, for moisture)
• Cooking spray or liner for the slow cooker

directions

1. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs if not already done.
2. Rub both sides of the ribs generously with the dry rub seasoning.
3. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker—cut into sections if needed to fit.
5. Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar or water to the bottom of the slow cooker (about ¼ cup) to keep the ribs moist.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
7. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Brush generously with barbecue sauce.
8. Optional: Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the sauce before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high
Optional broil time: 3–5 minutes
Total time: About 6–8 hours

Variations

• Spicy ribs: Add cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Sweet and smoky: Use a brown sugar rub and hickory-flavored BBQ sauce.
• Asian-style: Use hoisin sauce and garlic with a splash of soy sauce.
• Honey garlic: Glaze with a mixture of honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a sticky, savory finish.
• Boneless ribs: Use boneless country-style ribs with the same method.

storage/reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven maintains better texture. Ribs can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What are baby back ribs?

Baby back ribs come from the upper part of the ribcage and are smaller, leaner, and more tender than spare ribs.

Do I need to remove the membrane?

Yes, removing the silver skin helps the seasoning penetrate and improves tenderness.

Can I cook ribs on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, cook on high for about 4 hours, but low heat for 6–8 hours yields the most tender result.

Should I sear the ribs first?

It’s not necessary, but you can sear them in a pan for added flavor if desired.

Can I stack ribs in the slow cooker?

Yes, but place them standing on their sides or layer in a circular pattern for even cooking.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, cook and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven with additional sauce before serving.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

They should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork but not completely falling off the bone.

Can I freeze cooked ribs?

Yes, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

What sides go well with ribs?

Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, or potato salad are great classic options.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are a foolproof way to enjoy juicy, flavorful ribs with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food, this recipe delivers every time. Just set it, forget it, and get ready for some of the most tender ribs you’ve ever tasted—right from your kitchen.

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