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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

by Sarah Olson on July 6, 2019 | Updated September 5, 2022 116 Comments

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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 baby back rib images with text of what ingredients are.
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. Also, try one of my other founding recipes such as BBQ pulled pork or 7-Layer Bean Dip.

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: 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

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

ribs in the slow cooker, cooked with barbecue sauce on top.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

4.93 from 114 votes
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs made with a homemade rub that has liquid smoke, seasonings and brown sugar.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 20 minutes 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.
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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 Information:

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

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

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

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    19804 shares
    • 8071

    Filed Under: Dinner, Pork, Ribs

    Comments

    1. Denise says

      May 13, 2023 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      Made exactly as recipe stated. They were gal-off-the-bone amazingly delicious!! Wouldn’t change a thing

      Reply
    2. Mark Kelly says

      January 24, 2023 at 4:50 am

      4 stars
      Whoa! Liquid smoke incredibly powerful. Consider 6 drops, yes, drops. Likely a typo in recipe.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 24, 2023 at 9:06 am

        2 tsp. is the right amount for this recipe. I would not use any more.

        Reply
    3. Michelle says

      November 16, 2022 at 9:38 pm

      8 hours was way too long. They came out so dry I had to throw them out.

      Reply
    4. Jenn says

      October 31, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      2 stars
      First time using liquid smoke. It was over powering. Made me so sick 🙁

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 1, 2022 at 7:31 am

        Did you only use two teaspoons (not tablespoons)?

        Reply
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