Introduction

These Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a fuss-free meal. The ribs cook low and slow for hours, then finish under the broiler for a caramelized glaze that’s hard to resist. Ideal for any day you want delicious ribs without the grill.

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
2 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, divided into 2 cups and ½ cup)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the opaque membrane on the underside of the ribs. Use a small sharp kitchen knife to lift a corner, slide the knife underneath, and gently pull the membrane away. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for safety.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin until combined.
Step 3: Spread two-thirds of the rub over the meaty side of the ribs, then the remaining one-third over the underside where the membrane was removed.
Step 4: Spray a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 5: Use a spoon or basting brush to spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
Step 6: Place the ribs, meaty side coated, along the sides of the slow cooker.
Step 7: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
Step 8: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of ribs, reserving ½ cup for later broiling.
Step 9: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5 hours.
Step 10: Just before cooking ends, preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 11: Carefully transfer ribs from slow cooker to baking sheet using tongs or a spatula. They may need to be transferred in sections as they will be very tender.
Step 12: Brush the ribs with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Removing the membrane is key for tender ribs; skip it for chewier texture but less flavor absorption.
Try different BBQ sauces—sweet, spicy, or smoky—to suit your taste.
For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the rub.
If your slow cooker is smaller, cut ribs into smaller sections to fit properly.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, brushing on extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist. Ribs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use spareribs instead of baby back ribs?

Yes, spareribs can be used but they may require longer cooking time due to their higher fat content and size. Adjust slow cooker time accordingly and check tenderness before broiling.

Is it necessary to broil the ribs after slow cooking?

Broiling is recommended to caramelize the BBQ sauce and add a delicious glaze. If you prefer softer ribs, you can skip this step but the texture and flavor may be less vibrant.

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 119 reviews

These Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make. The ribs are rubbed with a blend of spices, slow-cooked to perfection, then finished under the broiler with a sticky BBQ sauce glaze for that perfect caramelized crust.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Rub

3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs (3.25 lbs recommended)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin

BBQ Sauce

2 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided (your favorite brand)

Instructions

Remove membrane: Carefully lift the corner of the opaque membrane on the underside of the ribs using a small sharp kitchen knife and slide the knife underneath while lifting. Once loosened, use your fingers to pull the membrane off completely. This improves the texture and flavor of the ribs.
Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin, stirring well to mix all the spices evenly.
Apply the rub: Spread two thirds of the rub evenly over the meaty side of the ribs, then apply the remaining rub on the underside where the membrane was removed, ensuring full coverage.
Prepare slow cooker: Spray a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Apply first BBQ sauce layer: Use a spoon or basting brush to spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs for flavor and moisture.
Place ribs in slow cooker: Position the ribs with the meaty side against the slow cooker sides to maximize cooking surface contact.
Apply more BBQ sauce: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside surfaces of the rib curve.
Top with BBQ sauce: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for finishing under the broiler.
Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5 hours until ribs are tender.
Preheat broiler: About 10 minutes before the ribs finish cooking, preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Transfer ribs to baking sheet: Using tongs or a large spatula, carefully transfer the ribs (in sections if needed) from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet.
Baste and broil: Brush the ribs with the reserved ½ cup BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely as broilers vary in intensity and can burn the sauce quickly.
Serve: Remove from broiler and serve ribs hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Removing the membrane from the ribs significantly enhances texture and flavor by removing toughness.
Wearing disposable gloves when handling raw meat is recommended for hygiene.
Monitor the ribs closely during broiling as BBQ sauce can burn quickly under high heat.
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor flavor to your preference.
If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to cut ribs into smaller sections to fit.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Ribs, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Slow Cooker BBQ, Tender Ribs Recipe, Easy BBQ Ribs