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Crockpot Baby Back Ribs are an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Seasoned with a smoky brown sugar rub and finished with Sweet Baby Ray’s, they cook low and slow for rich, mouthwatering flavor—no grill needed.
This was the first recipe on my blog from 2013 – I’ve updated the photos a few times, but the recipe has not changed. Between the homemade rub, liquid smoke and my favorite barbecue sauce, this crockpot rib recipe is a winner.
There is no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking. Trust me, once you try these slow cooker ribs, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with any other method.
Ingredients for Crockpot Baby Back Ribs
Here is all you need to make ribs with a homemade rub. Find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below the images:
- 1 rack of baby back pork ribs: The star of the show, these pork ribs will become incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: A classic barbecue sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the ribs. We also use this sauce in our Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken.
- Hickory Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke adds rich, smoky flavor without a smoker—just a few teaspoons go a long way. It’s great in barbecue-style slow cooker recipes and makes your kitchen smell like smoked meat! Remember, a little goes a long way, do not add any extra!
- Rub ingredients: Brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika—this spice rub adds layers of flavor to the ribs, complementing the barbecue sauce beautifully.
How to make Crockpot Ribs
Step One: Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs; if you can’t get a hold of it with your fingers, use a paper towel to grip it.
Step Two: Cut the ribs into four equal portions. Add the dry rub ingredients to a bowl, then rub the ribs on both sides with it.
Step Three: Add the ribs to the slow cooker, then drizzle over the Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce. Add the water. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Variations
You don’t have to stick to my recipe, you can make one or more of my approved tweaks:
- Try Different Cuts: Swap baby back ribs for spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or even country-style pork ribs—adjust cook time as needed for thicker cuts.
- Switch Up the BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile—try smoky chipotle, honey barbecue, Carolina mustard, or a spicy version for a kick.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced sweet onions, bell peppers, or even wedges of cabbage or potatoes to cook alongside the ribs and soak up the flavor.
- Boost the Smokiness: Change the liquid smoke flavor—hickory, mesquite, or applewood all bring something different. Just keep the quantity small (very small, it can overpower the entire dish).
- Finish Under the Broiler: For crispy edges, broil the ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking, brushing with more sauce. (Do this on a sheet pan, don’t use your slow cooker insert).
How to Serve Baby Back Ribs
Think summer sides when serving ribs and you will have a perfect meal:
- Serve the pork ribs with a side of creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue feast.
- Keep it simple with classic barbecue sides like slow cooker baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad.
- If you want an easy weeknight dinner pairing, simply serve with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Featured Comment
“I have made this recipe time & time again and my husband keeps asking for it!! Thank you Magical Slow Cooker enjoy making a lot of your crockpot recipes..
– Lisa
Love your new website!!”
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 1 rack back pork ribs,
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sweet baby ray’s bbq sauce
- 2 tsp. hickory liquid smoke, do not add any more!
- more sweet baby ray’s bbq sauce for serving
Rub ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
Instructions
- Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs, I do this by lifting an edge of the middle of the ribs and tearing off in one piece.
- Cut the ribs into 4 sections.
- In a small bowl prepare the rub; combine the brown sugar, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Put the rub onto ribs with hands.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the water and liquid smoke in around the ribs. (note- you can add the liquid smoke into the rub instead of adding it in the water if desired). Pour over the barbecue sauce on top of the ribs.
- Cook on low for 7-8 or high for 4 hours.
- Brush with more warmed barbecue sauce if desired and serve.
Sarah’s Notes
- Try Different Cuts: Swap baby back ribs for spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or even country-style pork ribs—adjust cook time as needed for thicker cuts.
- Different BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile—try smoky chipotle, honey barbecue, Carolina mustard, or a spicy version for a kick.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced onions, bell peppers, or even wedges of cabbage or potatoes to cook alongside the ribs and soak up the flavor.
- Boost the Smokiness: Change the liquid smoke flavor—hickory, mesquite, or applewood all bring something different. Just keep the quantity small (very small, it can overpower the entire dish).
- Finish Under the Broiler: For crispy edges, broil the ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking, brushing with more sauce. (Do this on a sheet pan, don’t use your slow cooker insert).
- Serve this crockpot ribs recipe with a side of creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue feast.
- Keep it simple with classic barbecue sides like slow cooker baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad.
- If you want an easy weeknight dinner pairing, simply serve with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Rib Recipes
Country Style Pork Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions are full of savory flavor and perfect served over rice. Ribs and Baked Beans make a hearty, comforting meal that’s great for family dinners.
Crockpot Country Style Ribs are tender, saucy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Slow Cooker Beef Ribs come out rich and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Pork Ribs, Potatoes, and Sauerkraut is a cozy, one-pot meal with classic flavor. Louisiana Ribs bring a bold, Cajun-inspired kick that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Looks great and yummy. How much time if I put in Instant Pot. I add onions, bell pepper and 1/2 c Coke and Sweet Spicy Baby Ray BBQ sauce. And your Dry Rub Recipe great.
I have not tested in the instant pot, you’ll have to use a similar recipe. You will also need to use a cup of sauce.
Sarah – Your recipe calls for 1 rack of ribs. How many pounds is a rack? If I cook 2 racks, should I increase the cooking time? Thank you.
It’s about 2 pounds – the cooking time will remain about the same.
These sound yummy but I prefer dry rub ribs without sauce and wonder if the water in bottom will be sufficient the keep them most and flavorful without the sauce topping?
I would add a little more water.
I have made this recipe time & time again and my husband keeps asking for it!! Thank you Magical Slow Cooker enjoy making alot of your crockpot receipes..
Love your new website!!
All slow cookers are different….coke to 195-200 degrees internal temperature!
So simple – So FABULOUS (easy prep, great dry rub, super video, delicious as one might hope they’d be!!
Thanks for the recipe. It’s now MINE, too!!
We love this recipe too! Glad you tried it.
Made exactly as recipe stated. They were gal-off-the-bone amazingly delicious!! Wouldn’t change a thing
Whoa! Liquid smoke incredibly powerful. Consider 6 drops, yes, drops. Likely a typo in recipe.
2 tsp. is the right amount for this recipe. I would not use any more.
First time using liquid smoke. It was over powering. Made me so sick 🙁
Did you only use two teaspoons (not tablespoons)?