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. Also, try one of my other founding recipes such as BBQ pulled pork or 7-Layer Bean Dip.
How to make Ribs in the Crockpot:
This recipe has a homemade rub for the ribs, it’s very simple
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)
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)
- 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.
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
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
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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients:
- 1 rack back pork ribs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 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 8 or high for 4 hours.
- Brush with more warmed barbecue sauce if desired and serve.
How to Video:
Sarah’s 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
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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 Ribs and Baked Beans
- 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
Scott Aubart says
The only reason Im giving this a single star is because there were People that ruined there food because of the liquid smoke. And that didnt have to happen. You could of put a warning on it right in the recipe which still hasnt been done or you could make it a smaller amount because at anytime it can be added. sO IF YOU ADD TO MUCH LIQUID SMOKE YOU CAN DELUTE WITH WATER OR VINEGAR. BEST TO ADD A SMALL AMOUNT AND ADJUST
Sarah Olson says
Yes, do not add more than the recipe says. I will add that note. Thank you.
Robert W Smith says
All slow cookers are different….coke to 195-200 degrees internal temperature!
T says
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!!
Sarah Olson says
We love this recipe too! Glad you tried it.
Denise says
Made exactly as recipe stated. They were gal-off-the-bone amazingly delicious!! Wouldn’t change a thing
Mark Kelly says
Whoa! Liquid smoke incredibly powerful. Consider 6 drops, yes, drops. Likely a typo in recipe.
Sarah Olson says
2 tsp. is the right amount for this recipe. I would not use any more.
Michelle says
8 hours was way too long. They came out so dry I had to throw them out.
Jenn says
First time using liquid smoke. It was over powering. Made me so sick 🙁
Sarah Olson says
Did you only use two teaspoons (not tablespoons)?