Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baby back ribs are an absolute treat! The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender, while the barbecue sauce glaze in the oven gives them a delightful sweetness and char. The ribs come out with just the right balance of flavor and texture—succulent on the inside and crispy on the outside. Plus, with only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Perfect for anyone who loves flavorful, tender ribs with minimal effort!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds baby back ribs, trimmed

• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup water

• ½ onion, sliced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season the trimmed baby back ribs with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.

3. Add the water, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the ribs are tender and cooked through.

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

7. Brush the ribs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce.

8. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized and slightly thickened.

9. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 4 hours 15 minutes

• Total time: 4 hours 25 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Spicy Ribs: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ribs before slow cooking for a bit of heat.

• Sweet and Tangy Ribs: Mix some honey or brown sugar into the barbecue sauce to create a sweeter glaze.

• Smoky Flavor: If you have liquid smoke, adding a few drops to the slow cooker can give your ribs that smoky flavor without a grill.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the ribs.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of ribs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use spare ribs or other types of pork ribs. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the ribs.

2. Can I cook the ribs on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ribs on high for about 2-3 hours, but low and slow is ideal for the best texture.

3. Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs before cooking?

Yes, it's recommended to remove the silver skin (the membrane) from the ribs to ensure better flavor absorption and more tender results.

4. Can I make these ribs in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the ribs in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) for 2.5-3 hours, then brush them with barbecue sauce and broil them for a few minutes.

5. Can I freeze the ribs after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze cooked ribs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

7. Can I skip the oven step?

Yes, but the ribs won’t have that caramelized barbecue sauce layer. If you prefer, you can just serve the ribs right from the slow cooker with the sauce.

8. What should I serve with these slow cooker ribs?

These ribs pair well with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.

9. Can I use homemade barbecue sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce will give a personal touch to the dish and allow you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

10. Can I cook the ribs ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes, you can cook the ribs in advance and reheat them in the oven or microwave. They will still be delicious and tender!

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are ready to be enjoyed. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!