↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter

Home » Dinner » Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

by Sarah Olson on July 6, 2019 | Updated August 10, 2020 71 Comments

8698shares
  • 4870
  • 3762
  • 66
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Cooked barbecue ribs in the slow cooker with corn on the cob on the side.
4 sections of barbecue ribs in the slow cooker with corn, salad and cornbread on the side.
collage of ribs for pinterest

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are the best way to make ribs if you don’t like to grill. The ribs turn out fall off the bone tender.

Welcome to the very first recipe on the Magical Slow Cooker. This recipe has not changed over the years but my photography skills have.

4 sections of barbecue ribs in the slow cooker with corn, salad and cornbread on the side.

How to make Ribs in the Crockpot:

This recipe has a homemade rub for the ribs, it’s very simple to make and you should have most of the ingredients in your pantry. If you don’t want to make the homemade rub pick up a packet of pulled pork seasoning and use instead.

Ingredients:

  • One rack of pork baby back ribs
  • Sweet baby rays barbecue sauce
  • Water
  • Hickory liquid smoke

Rub ingredients:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Brown Sugar
  • (add the liquid smoke to the rub or to the water in the slow cooker)
Photo with text over lay. Onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar and liquid smoke.

Directions:

  • Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. I do this by lifting an edge in the middle, then ripping off in one piece.
  • Cut the ribs into 4 even sections.
  • In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients. (Or apply the pulled pork seasoning packet)
Raw rack of ribs, cut into 4 sections with bowl of rub next to it.

  • Rub the rub mixture onto the ribs evenly. Add the ribs to the slow cooker. Spread over the barbecue sauce on the ribs and pour the water and liquid smoke around the ribs
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Raw ribs in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce on top.

What is liquid smoke and why should I use it?

  • Liquid smoke can be used in place of cooking with wood smoke in recipes and will add plenty of smoke flavor. I find liquid smoke near the hot sauces at the store.
  • Use sparingly, I never use more than a few teaspoons, even in my large pulled pork recipes.
  • I use liquid smoke in many of my barbecue inspired recipes in the slow cooker. Makes the house smell like smoked meat while cooking!

Can I use a different cut of meat in this recipe?

Yes! Choose one of these cuts of meat in place of the baby back ribs:

  • Pork spare ribs
  • Country style pork ribs
  • Beef back or spare ribs
  • Beef shortribs
Cooked baby back ribs in a slow cooker.

What to serve with baby back ribs:

I like to serve similar sides as if I was barbecuing. Here are my top choices, choice one or more to go with your ribs:

  • Crack Potatoes
  • Baked potatoes
  • Jalapeno cheese corn or Corn on the Cob
  • Green salad
  • Cornbread
Ribs on a plate with salad and corn
ribs in the slow cooker, cooked with barbecue sauce on top.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

4.98 from 36 votes
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs made with a homemade rub that has liquid smoke, seasonings and brown sugar.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 246kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1 rack back pork ribs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sweet baby ray’s bbq sauce
  • 2 tsp. hickory liquid smoke
  • more sweet baby ray’s bbq sauce for serving

Rub ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
US Customary – Metric

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 8 or high for 4 hours.
  • Brush with more warmed barbecue sauce if desired and serve.

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I use a flavored barbecue sauce?

Yes! Use your favorite such as honey or chipotle barbecue sauce.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, try one of these cuts if you can’t find pork baby back ribs.
  • Pork spare ribs
  • Country style pork ribs
  • Beef back or spare ribs
  • Beef shortribs
Nutritional values are approximate. Please use your own calculations if you require a special diet. Values below are for 1/4 of the recipe without the extra barbecue sauce.

Nutrition:

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 258mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

First published: 01/08/2013

Updated: 07/06/2015

Try another one of my slow cooker rib recipes next week!

  • Slow Cooker Beer and Onion Beef Ribs
  • Slow Cooker County Style Pork Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions
  • Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Tomato Gravy
  • Slow Cooker Pork Ribs, Potatoes and Sauerkraut
  • Slow Cooker Louisiana Ribs {Cajun Style}
  • Slow Cooker Pork Buffalo Style Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Molasses Country Style Ribs
8698shares
  • 4870
  • 3762
  • 66

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

    Filed Under: Dinner, Pork, Ribs Tagged With: baby back ribs, Pork, slow cooker

    Comments

    1. LG says

      January 24, 2021 at 8:11 am

      I like using a plastic bag in my slow cooker for easy clean up after. Will this effect the end results?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 24, 2021 at 10:27 am

        No, in fact not for any recipe. I notice my food burns less.

        Reply
    2. Gerald T Klesko says

      December 19, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Recipe calls for 5 ounces of BBQ sauce for cooking — Can you use more — say 10 ounces (full cup) for cooking — or will that negatively affect the outcome?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 19, 2020 at 4:39 pm

        It’s fine. But save some for serving if possible. You’ll want fresh bbq to put on at the end.

        Reply
    3. Brian says

      December 19, 2020 at 7:24 am

      Any time I make ribs in the slow cooker, I pop them under the broiler for 5-10 minutes after cooking them in the slow cooker. Adds a nice finishing touch and gives them that grilled feel.

      Reply
    4. Judy says

      December 16, 2020 at 2:55 am

      5 stars
      Omg!!!! Superb! Easy and will make again in 2 weeks!

      Reply
    5. Leah Colbert says

      September 28, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      Can I cook them in multicooker on the meat setting instead of slow cooker setting.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 28, 2020 at 7:07 pm

        It’s hard to say without trying. But I think it will work fine.

        Reply
    6. Daisy says

      September 23, 2020 at 9:56 am

      I thought it was strange that salt was not a dry rub ingredient? Is there a reason?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:18 am

        Ribs are plenty salty enough to me, but you can add it if you want.

        Reply
    7. Richard Rodriguez says

      September 20, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      I have a 4 quart crockpot and the recipe was perfect with the 4 hours on high – fall off the bone soft and 100% delicious!

      Reply
    8. Sandra says

      September 14, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      I. Live by myself and am a senior and I love ribs so tommorow I’m going to try this I’m excited , I’ll let you know how it turns out

      Reply
      • Adam Boliek says

        February 6, 2021 at 3:45 pm

        How did it go Sandra?

        Reply
    9. Mary Jane says

      August 2, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Could you put the recipe up for cowboy potatoes and meatloaf?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 2, 2020 at 5:38 pm

        The hobo dinner? Here it is: https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/hobo-dinner-in-the-slow-cooker/

        Reply
    10. David says

      August 2, 2020 at 8:30 am

      4 stars
      Followed as directed except 1 cup of water is way too much. Even 1/2 cup is more than enough. 1/3 is just about right for leaving enough juice at just the right thickness. Otherwise, the recipe is very good.

      Reply
      • Amy m says

        December 15, 2020 at 10:59 am

        When I find that happens in the crock pot recipes I take the lid off and let the house fill with the delightful aroma. It happens to me all the time, too.

        Reply
    11. Mat says

      June 24, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Your recipe calls to cook it for 4 hours but in the cook time above in recipe it says 8 what’s up with tha

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 24, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        Says low for 8 or high for 4.

        Reply
    12. Tunester says

      June 22, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      So I made these today following the recipe to a “T” and there seemed to be a extraordinarily amount of liquid after the cooking process resulting in my drawing off 2 cups of liquid from the slow cooker and continuing to cook them an additional hour or two to dry them out. Why did this occur? Could I have pulled them from them from the oven to finish them off? What temp would I do that at?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 22, 2020 at 4:55 pm

        This is normal with slow cooking. You can not brown things in the slow cooker. You can broil them in the oven for a few minutes if desired.

        Reply
    13. Connie Wilson says

      June 6, 2020 at 6:24 am

      I can’t read your recipe for the d” social media flags on the left side of the website. Seven to be exact. God didn’t create my eyes to see through this junk. I would love to be able to see the recipe, but, this website will be deleted from my speed dials.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 6, 2020 at 8:40 am

        Hi Connie, I would never purposely put something so you couldn’t see. Some devices show things differently, I will look into it.

        Reply
    14. Dorothea Fischer says

      May 14, 2020 at 9:51 am

      If I cook the baby back ribs in slow cooker on high for 4 hours, will they still be tender and fall off the bone bs slow cooking on low for 8 hours?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 14, 2020 at 10:19 am

        Yes! They still will be!

        Reply
    15. Sharon says

      April 18, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      I can’t wait to try these!! They are some of my favs.

      Reply
    16. JOHN J DUNN says

      March 29, 2020 at 7:33 am

      Can you cook 2 racks of baby backs at once

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 29, 2020 at 8:10 am

        Yes! Will work fine.

        Reply
    17. Ray Glasser says

      February 23, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Sarah, I’m going to try your recipe for babyback ribs tomorrow. BUT…you don’t indicate anywhere HOW MUCH water to put in the cooker along with the ribs and everything else! Thanks, Ray!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 23, 2020 at 6:08 pm

        1 cup, it’s in the ingredients right under the ribs.

        Reply
        • Ray Glasser says

          February 23, 2020 at 7:11 pm

          Thank you, must have missed that!!

          Reply
          • Sarah Olson says

            February 24, 2020 at 9:41 am

            No worries, more often it’s me! Hope you enjoy these.

            Reply
    18. Shirley Miller says

      December 23, 2019 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      I have made these alot and they are the best, even without liquid smoke.

      Reply
    19. Larry Clark says

      December 23, 2019 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      I make these with a little different seasoning. Splenda Brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, Garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano for the rub and sugar free BBQ sauce. My wife is diabetic and these don’t bother her blood sugars too much and the taste is wonderful. The meat just falls off the bone.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!

    St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

    creamy corned beef and cabbage soup in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup

    cooked corned beef brisket in sauce in slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef

    Colcannon potatoes with green onions on top. With wooden spoon in them.

    Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes

    2 cups of baileys hot chocolate with bottle of baileys behind it.

    Slow Cooker Baileys Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

    cooked stew with beef, carrots, onion and celery.

    Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

    close up of corned beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage in slow cooker. Grainy mustard on the side.

    Corned Beef and Cabbage

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

      close up of pasta, chicken and cheese in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

      cooked salisbury steaks in gravy in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

      Close up of chicken and gravy in a slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2021, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs