baby back ribs in crock pot recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
baby back ribs in crock pot recipe
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The Best baby back ribs in crock pot recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite baby back ribs in crock pot recipe. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a casual dinner at home or hosting a party, this recipe is always a good idea. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me, which is a win-win in my book.

The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is tender, fall-apart meat that’s slathered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. My kids adore this dish, and it’s become a staple in our household. I’ve experimented with different seasonings and sauces over the years, but this basic recipe remains my go-to.

It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. I’ve even started serving it at family gatherings and potlucks, where it’s always devoured quickly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just throw the ribs in the crock pot with some sauce and let it cook all day long.

Voila! You’ll have delicious, finger-licking good ribs that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I love how the slow cooker breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, making it tender and juicy.

It’s a game-changer for any home cook looking to elevate their mealtime routine.

Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

4.7 from 1146 votes

These tender baby back ribs are slow-cooked in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce until they fall off the bone. The crock pot method ensures juicy, flavorful ribs with minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 racks baby back ribs (about 3-4 lbs total)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rib rack by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel.
2Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
3In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
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, liquid smoke if using, and minced garlic until smooth.
6Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce for later use.
7Cut each rib rack in half to fit in the slow cooker.
8Place the rib pieces in the slow cooker, standing them up along the sides if needed, and pour the remaining sauce over the ribs.
9Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
10Preheat the broiler to high and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
11Carefully transfer the ribs to the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the reserved sauce.
12Broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized, watching closely to prevent burning.
13Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before cutting between the bones to separate.
14Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Tongs
Aluminum foil
Baking sheet (optional for broiling)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 1150mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the reserved sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes before brushing on the ribs. Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs Works

This baby back ribs in crock pot recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours as well. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to store leftovers – simply refrigerate or freeze them for later use. When reheating, be sure to cover them with foil to prevent drying out.

Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

1.

What is the ideal cooking time for baby back ribs in a crock pot?
The cooking time will depend on your personal preference for tenderness and fall-apart meat. Generally, you can expect 8-10 hours of cooking time on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.

2.

Can I use pork belly instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, you can use pork belly or other types of pork cuts in place of baby back ribs. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat.

3.

How do I reheat leftover baby back ribs?
To reheat leftover baby back ribs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

4.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the barbecue sauce with a gluten-free alternative.

5.
I don’t have a crock pot; can I cook these ribs on the stovetop or oven?
No, this recipe is specifically designed for use in a crock pot due to its unique slow-cooking properties that break down connective tissue.

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