Description
Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs made effortlessly with a smoky, sweet sauce that melts in your mouth. Perfectly cooked low and slow, these ribs fall off the bone with a caramelized finish, ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 rack Baby Back Ribs (about 2–3 lbs)
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (smoky and sweet, store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Water or Broth
Optional Variations
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper or Chipotle Powder (for spicy twist)
- Substitute Balsamic Vinegar for Apple Cider Vinegar and increase Brown Sugar for a sweeter, tangier sauce
- Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce Brown Sugar for a low-sugar option
- 1 tsp Liquid Smoke (to intensify smoky flavor)
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme sprigs (for herb infusion)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tender results, then pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better.
- Apply the Dry Rub: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub to build a delicious flavor base.
- Add Ribs to Slow Cooker: Arrange the ribs upright around the edges of the slow cooker. Pour water or broth at the bottom to keep the meat moist but avoid washing away flavors.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until ribs are tender and meat pulls away easily from the bone.
- Glaze and Finish: Once cooked, brush your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs. Optionally, broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce for a sticky finish. If no broiler, bake uncovered at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- Always remove the silver skin membrane to improve tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Don’t skimp on the dry rub; it adds depth beyond the BBQ sauce.
- Add just enough liquid to keep ribs moist without diluting flavors.
- Let ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
- Broiling or oven finishing creates a caramelized crust that slow cookers can’t achieve alone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ baby back ribs, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, smoked ribs, slow cooked BBQ