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Slow cooker baby back ribs are tender, juicy, and pretty much fall off the bone! This simple recipe makes perfectly cooked ribs with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners, BBQs, or game-days.
Easy Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe
This slow cooker ribs recipe is simple, but full of flavor. I love how easy it is to just drop all of the ingredients into the crockpot, and then let it do the rest. And when you let the ribs cook slowly, they come out so juicy and tender they practically melt in your mouth.
When they are done, you just finish them off by tossing with your favorite BBQ sauce, and they are ready to eat! Serve them for dinner with these air fryer baked beans, or put them on a platter and let guests grab them buffet style. Either way, these ribs are sure to be a hit!
Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Check out these simple recipes for Rasta Pasta, Cowboy Chicken or this Easy Chicken Pot Pie.
Ingredients You Will Need
- baby back pork ribs – tender and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking.
- onion, sliced – adds subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor of the ribs.
- garlic cloves – for additional savory flavor.
- water – creates steam that will create juicy, moist ribs.
- kosher salt – enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
- ground black pepper – adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
- BBQ sauce (optional) – for tossing with the ribs, giving the finishing touch of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Step 1: Remove the membrane by using a sharp knife to loosen one corner of the thin, white membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Grab the edge with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off in one piece.
Step 2: Cut the ribs in half or thirds so they fit easily into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour the water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker. Top with the sliced onions and garlic cloves.
Step 4: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the ribs are tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 145 degrees F.
Step 5: Use tongs to remove the ribs from the cooker, then brush or toss with your favorite BBQ sauce. For a sticky glaze, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and place on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Watch the ribs closely while broiling to avoid burning.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Spare Ribs
- Remove the membrane: Removing the membrane helps the ribs to absorb the flavors and the moisture can easily make the meat tender.
- Don’t skip the onions and garlic: They infuse the ribs with incredible flavor while they cook.
- Check for doneness: Using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness will ensure you don’t overcook the ribs, causing them to be tough. Depending on the thickness of your ribs, cooking time may need to be adjusted a bit, so the thermometer is a great way to be sure they are just right!
Slow Cooker Ribs Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and chili powder before slow cooking.
- Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a backyard BBQ flavor. Use liquid smoke sparingly! A little goes a LONG way!
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush your cooked crock pot ribs with a mix of honey and Dijon mustard, then broil for a few minutes.
FAQ’S
It’s best to thaw the ribs first for even cooking, but if you’re short on time, you can cook them from frozen. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time.
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil, then bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a minute or two. Toss with a fresh coating of barbecue sauce if necessary.
More Easy Meal Recipes
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back pork ribs
- 1/2 small onion, cut into slices
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, more or less to your liking
Instructions
- Remove the membrane by using a sharp knife to loosen one corner of the thin, white membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Grab the edge with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off in one piece.
- Cut the ribs in half or thirds so they fit easily into your slow cooker.
- Pour the water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker. Top with the sliced onions and garlic cloves.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the ribs are tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 145 degrees F.
- Use tongs to remove the ribs from the cooker, then brush or toss with your favorite BBQ sauce and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
