Crockpot Ribs
127 Comments May 05, 2025
Updated Jun 22, 2025
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Crockpot Ribs are an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Seasoned with an easy homemade rub and finished with Sweet Baby Ray’s, they cook low and slow for rich, mouthwatering flavor—no grill needed.
This was the first recipe on my blog from 2013 – I’ve updated the photos a few times, but the recipe has not changed. Between the homemade rub, liquid smoke and my favorite barbecue sauce, this crockpot rib recipe is a winner.
There is no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking. Trust me, once you try these slow cooker ribs, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with any other method.
Ingredients for Crockpot Ribs
Here is all you need to make ribs with a homemade rub. Find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below the images:
- 1 rack of baby back pork ribs: The star of the show, these pork ribs will become incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: A classic barbecue sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the ribs. We also use this sauce in our Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken.
- Hickory Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke adds rich, smoky flavor without a smoker—just a few teaspoons go a long way. It’s great in barbecue-style slow cooker recipes and makes your kitchen smell like smoked meat! Remember, a little goes a long way, do not add any extra!
- 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.
How to make Crockpot Ribs
These ribs are so easy you can make them in 3 easy steps.
Step One: Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs; if you can’t get a hold of it with your fingers, use a paper towel to grip it.
Step Two: Cut the ribs into four equal portions. Add the dry rub ingredients to a bowl, then rub the ribs on both sides with it.
Step Three: Add the ribs to the slow cooker, then drizzle over the Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce. Add the water. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Variations
You don’t have to stick to my recipe, you can make one or more of my approved tweaks:
- Try Different Cuts: Swap baby back ribs for spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or even country-style pork ribs—adjust cook time as needed for thicker cuts.
- Switch Up the BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile—try smoky chipotle, honey barbecue, Carolina mustard, or a spicy version for a kick.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced sweet onions, bell peppers, or even wedges of cabbage or potatoes to cook alongside the ribs and soak up the flavor.
- Boost the Smokiness: Change the liquid smoke flavor—hickory, mesquite, or applewood all bring something different. Just keep the quantity small (very small, it can overpower the entire dish).
- Finish Under the Broiler: For crispy edges, broil the ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking, brushing with more sauce. (Do this on a sheet pan, don’t use your slow cooker insert).
How to Serve
Think summer sides when serving ribs and you will have a perfect meal:
- Serve the pork ribs with a side of creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue feast.
- Keep it simple with classic barbecue sides like slow cooker baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad.
- If you want an easy weeknight dinner pairing, simply serve with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Featured Comment
“I have made this recipe time & time again and my husband keeps asking for it!! Thank you Magical Slow Cooker enjoy making a lot of your crockpot recipes..
– Lisa
Love your new website!!”
Crockpot Ribs Recipe
How to Video
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 7-8 or high for 4 hours.
- Brush with more warmed barbecue sauce if desired and serve.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Rib Recipes
Country Style Pork Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions are full of savory flavor and perfect served over rice. Ribs and Baked Beans make a hearty, comforting meal that’s great for family dinners.
Crockpot Country Style Ribs are tender, saucy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Slow Cooker Beef Ribs come out rich and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut is a cozy, one-pot meal with classic flavor. Louisiana Ribs bring a bold, Cajun-inspired kick that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Well, being how it is 106 outside today, we decided to try the slow cooker rather than having the oven on or barbecuing in the heat. Looking good! I’m sure they’ll taste marvelous. Can’t wait.
Can carrots, onlions, potatoes or other veggies be cooked along with riibs?
Yes, they can. Though, the juices from the ribs aren’t as tasty as like a pot roast.
I like using a plastic bag in my slow cooker for easy clean up after. Will this effect the end results?
No, in fact not for any recipe. I notice my food burns less.
Doing this recipe now for Father’s Day. My husband is so excited. Can you tell me more about this plastic bag in the slow cooker technique? Doesn’t the bag melt?
They are slow cooker liners found near the foil. They do not melt for they aren’t actually plastic, they are another material.
Eating now, and great!!
Thanks for quick response on bags, appreciated.
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?
It’s fine. But save some for serving if possible. You’ll want fresh bbq to put on at the end.
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.
Omg!!!! Superb! Easy and will make again in 2 weeks!
Can I cook them in multicooker on the meat setting instead of slow cooker setting.
It’s hard to say without trying. But I think it will work fine.
I thought it was strange that salt was not a dry rub ingredient? Is there a reason?
Ribs are plenty salty enough to me, but you can add it if you want.
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!
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
How did it go Sandra?
I’m a single person also. I have been wanting ribs. Never get invited to a BBQ . I’m making them. I’ll eat them for days or freeze some for later. Reheat in oven
Could you put the recipe up for cowboy potatoes and meatloaf?
The hobo dinner? Here it is: https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/hobo-dinner-in-the-slow-cooker/