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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs: Incredibly Tender, Fall-Off-the-Bone BBQ Ribs

Shruthi
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are seasoned with a flavorful spice rub, cooked slowly until exceptionally tender, and finished with a sticky barbecue glaze under the broiler. The slow cooker keeps the ribs moist while breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat. A quick broil caramelizes the sauce for an authentic barbecue finish. This easy recipe is perfect for busy families, entertaining guests, or weekend comfort meals. Every bite delivers smoky spices, succulent pork, and rich barbecue flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

BBQ Sauce

  • 1½ cups barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for a better grip.
  • Pat the ribs dry and rub them lightly with olive oil.
  • Combine all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl and coat both sides of the ribs generously.
  • Cut the rib racks into sections that fit inside your slow cooker.
  • Arrange the ribs upright around the inside of the slow cooker with the meat side facing outward.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender.
  • Preheat the oven broiler.
  • Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane results in more tender ribs.
  • Baby back ribs cook faster than spare ribs.
  • Broiling adds a classic barbecue finish.
  • Homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce both work well.
  • Avoid overcooking to keep the ribs from becoming too soft.
  • Let the ribs rest before slicing.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months.
Keyword Crockpot BBQ Ribs, Easy Barbecue Ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, Slow Cooker BBQ Recipe, tender pork ribs