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.
Does the recipe have salt? because I made them, they were good but low in salt for my taste.
You can add salt next time! I choose not to for I think ribs are salty enough for our tastes.
Absolutely outstanding. Plus, you can have great ribs in January .
Thankyou for the recipe. I’ve never cooked ribs before. Exactly how many pounds is a rack of ribs?
They are all different, but around 3 pounds.
Thanks for great recipe! I made per the recipe with addition of 1/4 tsp of hot Hungarian paprika. Also after 4 hrs on high in slow cooker I brushed with about 1 cup of bbq sauce and placed under 500 broiler for 5 or so minutes. Perfection!
I’ve made these a few times now, but I do not put the BBQ sauce on while they are in the crock pot as the sauce gets very thin…almost like water. Instead, I put the cooked ribs on a parchment or foil lined sheet pan, put the BBQ sauce on the ribs and put them in the oven at 400 for about 15 minutes. The sauce stays on the ribs, nice and thick. I love Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ, but have now found a new favorite. Stubb’s Sweet and Sticky. I serve these with baked potatoes and sweet corn. Very good!
Maybe start your own blog. Since you know everything and changed the entire recipe.
How many racks of ribs can I cook at one time in the crock pot! I want to make enough for 6
Thank you!
2 racks will fit which is enough for 8 people.
I went by the recipe and they were delicious. Thank you!
Came out Perfectly
Knew this was going to be great when you said Sweet Baby Ray’s! Was a Chicago West side bbq joint that has gone nationwide!
You go Ray.
Can I place these ribs in the oven ? My hubby likes crusty ribs not to wet lol .I don’t explain .lol
Yeah, at the end of the cooking time.
Just wondering to what temperature should I have the oven on and for how long the ribs should be in after removing from slow cooker.
Set the oven to broil (500) degrees and let them brown for about 5 minutes. You’ll have to decide how brown you want them.
I boil my ribs then I broil my ribs then I put them in the crockpot for tender ribs!!!