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Tongs holding up a section of slow cooker baby back ribs.
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4.54 from 28 votes

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe

These Crockpot Baby Back Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with smoky flavor, and smothered in Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce for the ultimate easy barbecue meal.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment

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
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.

Video

Notes

Can I use a flavored barbecue sauce?
Yes! Use your favorite such as honey or chipotle barbecue sauce. 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.
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
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.

Nutrition

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

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