Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

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 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)

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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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