Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s not just mouthwatering but also incredibly convenient: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs. Picture this: succulent ribs, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, so tender they practically fall off the bone. Grab your crock pot and let’s dive into this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Looking for other ways to cook ribs? Try my Slow Cooker Beer and Onion Beef Ribs and Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Baby Back Ribs in Slow Cooker Recipe
Let’s talk about why slow cooker ribs are the ultimate comfort food. Slow cooking ribs is hands down the best way to achieve that coveted fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Plus, it takes all the stress out of cooking ribs.
No need to worry about overcooking or undercooking. The dump-and-go method makes this an ideal option for busy families looking for a no-nonsense way to put a meal on the table for dinner tonight. Trust me, once you try these slow cooker ribs, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with any other method. This slow cooker ribs recipe is absolutely delicious!
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 rack back pork ribs: The star of the show, these pork ribs will become incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
- Water: Provides the necessary moisture for the slow cooking process.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: A classic barbecue sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the ribs.
- Hickory Liquid Smoke: Enhances the smoky flavor of the ribs without the need for an actual smoker. Remember, a little goes a long way!
- 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.
Step-by-Step Directions
How to Serve
- Serve this crockpot ribs recipe with a side of creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue feast.
- For a lighter option, pair the ribs with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Transform the leftovers into mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches by shredding the meat and piling it onto buns with your favorite toppings.
- Feeling adventurous? Use the leftover ribs to make a hearty chili by chopping the meat and adding it to a simmering pot of beans, tomatoes, and spices.
- Keep it simple with classic barbecue sides like slow cooker baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad.
Recipe FAQs
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 kalua 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!
Yes! Pork spare ribs, country style pork ribs, beef back or spare ribs, and/or beef shortribs make perfect substitutions.
To store leftover ribs, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Freezer option: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe packaging, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Of course! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce or experiment with homemade varieties to suit your taste preferences. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
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 8 or high for 4 hours.
- Brush with more warmed barbecue sauce if desired and serve.
How to Video:
Sarah’s Notes:
- 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
JOHN J DUNN says
Can you cook 2 racks of baby backs at once
Sarah Olson says
Yes! Will work fine.
Ray Glasser says
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!
Sarah Olson says
1 cup, it’s in the ingredients right under the ribs.
Ray Glasser says
Thank you, must have missed that!!
Sarah Olson says
No worries, more often it’s me! Hope you enjoy these.
Shirley Miller says
I have made these alot and they are the best, even without liquid smoke.
Larry Clark says
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.
Melissa says
I don’t have garlic powder. Can I use garlic salt?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, will work fine.
Carter says
Want to make these for Xmas dinner. Is it ok to make early, freeze and reheat Xmas day?
Jerry Doran says
Awesome is the only word that I can use! Thanks Sarah
Kristin says
When do you add the bbq sauce? At the start of cooking? Step 4? Thank you!
Sarah Olson says
Step 4! Thank you for letting me know.
Mo says
How many pounds of ribs? I wish when I come across recipes for slow cooker ribs, one specifies the pound(s). Some recipes do. A slab could be any size.
Thanks!
Sarah Olson says
About 3 lbs. Less or more will work fine. Can’t mess this recipe up.
Tim says
This is super easy and came out as tender as always when using the crock pot.since I started mine out early in am, setting was on warm for 4 hours and then turned up to low to finish.I mixed the 1/4 cup water and the liquid smoke,used about 1teaspoon,to the bottom of the crock after the ribs were inside the crock pot. Minus the grill marks,you could not tell the difference. Excellent.
traye says
I didn’t have them in for an hour even and I already had the apartment upstairs asking for some
Jen says
I LOVE ribs but have never made them. What a great idea to make them in the slow cooker – they look so easy and I bet they are fall apart tender. You rub sounds absolutely perfect!