slow cooker baby back ribs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker baby back ribs recipe

I’ve been making slow cooker baby back ribs for years, and they’re still a family favorite. The first time I made them, I was surprised by how tender and flavorful they turned out.

I think it’s because the slow cooker does all the work, breaking down the connective tissue in the meat and making it fall-off-the-bone tender. My kids love them because they’re easy to eat and fun to dip in their favorite sauce.

We make them for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but also for just a regular Tuesday dinner. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

My husband loves that they’re not too spicy, so he can enjoy them too. I love that they’re a great way to get my kids to eat vegetables – we load up the ribs with carrots, onions, and bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Slow cooker baby back ribs are a staple in our house, and I know you’ll love them just as much as we do.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

4.6 from 1469 votes

Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs cooked low and slow in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. This easy slow cooker method yields perfectly cooked ribs with minimal effort, finished under the broiler for a sticky, caramelized glaze.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 680 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rib rack by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off.
2Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
3In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke if using.
6Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
7Cut each rack of ribs in half to fit the slow cooker if needed.
8Place the ribs upright along the sides of the slow cooker, meaty sides facing outward, or stack them.
9Pour the remaining sauce over the ribs, turning to coat.
10Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone when tested with a fork.
11The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F.
12Preheat the broiler to high.
13Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
14Using tongs, carefully transfer the ribs to the rack, meaty side up.
15Brush generously with the reserved sauce from the slow cooker.
16Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized with charred spots.
17Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then cut between the bones and serve.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6 quart or larger)
Small bowl
Basting brush
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 680 kcal🧈Total Fat: 42g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 195mg🧂Sodium: 1450mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, include 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the dry rub. The ribs can also be finished on a preheated grill over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side instead of broiling.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Works

Storing leftover ribs is easy. Just put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat I like to wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

You can also use the microwave but the oven keeps them from drying out. For serving I like to cut the racks into individual ribs and pile them on a platter. They are great with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

I also love to use leftover rib meat in tacos or on top of nachos for a quick meal. This slow cooker baby back ribs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It works perfectly for family gatherings because it feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss.

The ribs come out tender and full of flavor every single time. I make them for summer cookouts, game day parties, and even holiday dinners. They are one of those recipes that everyone asks for again and again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Q: What type of barbecue sauce do you recommend using?

I like to use a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the slow cooker. You can use store-bought or make your own from scratch. Some people prefer a thicker, more intense sauce while others like it thinner and more saucy.

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