Introduction

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a low-effort meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. The slow cooking method ensures the meat falls off the bone, while the broiling at the end adds a caramelized finish. This recipe is ideal for busy cooks who want delicious ribs with minimal hands-on time.

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 from the underside of the ribs by lifting a corner with a sharp knife and sliding the blade underneath. Continue lifting and cutting until you can pull the membrane off with your fingers. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for safety.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together 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 spread 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 to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Using a spoon or basting brush, spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce on the meaty side of the ribs.
Step 6: Place the ribs meaty side against 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 the ribs, reserving the last ½ cup for later.
Step 9: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
Step 10: About 10 minutes before the ribs are done, preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 11: Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the baking sheet using tongs or a large spatula. The ribs will be very tender, so you may need to move them in sections.
Step 12: Baste the ribs with the reserved BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the rub.
Use gloves when handling raw ribs to keep hands clean and safe.
Try a spicy BBQ sauce if you like a bit of heat in your ribs.
If you don’t have a broiler, finishing on a very hot grill works well to caramelize the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover ribs covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or in a microwave. To maintain the caramelized sauce, avoid reheating under high direct heat again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I have to remove the membrane from the ribs?

Yes, removing the membrane improves the texture and allows the flavors to penetrate better, resulting in more tender, flavorful ribs.

Can I use a different cut of ribs for this recipe?

Baby back ribs are ideal for this slow cooker method due to their size and tenderness, but spare ribs can also be used; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4.5 from 104 reviews

Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs cooked low and slow to perfection with a homemade dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce, finished under the broiler for a caramelized, sticky glaze.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Rub

3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs (my rack of ribs was 3.25 lbs)
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, your favorite brand (divided: 2 cups for cooking, ½ cup for broiling)

Instructions

Remove Membrane: Carefully remove the opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs using a small sharp knife by lifting a corner and sliding the knife underneath, then pull it away with your fingers to improve texture and flavor. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for handling raw meat.
Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin, stirring well to mix.
Apply Rub: Spread two-thirds of the dry rub evenly over the meaty side of the ribs, then apply the remaining one-third on the underside where the membrane was removed.
Prep Slow Cooker: Spray a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Apply Initial BBQ Sauce: Use a spoon or basting brush to spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
Place Ribs in Slow Cooker: Position the ribs with the meaty side against the sides of the slow cooker.
Coat Inner Side: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
Add Sauce on Top Ridge: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, reserving the last ½ cup for broiling finish.
Slow Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 5 hours until ribs are tender.
Preheat Broiler: Near the end of cooking, preheat your oven broiler and line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil, spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Transfer Ribs: Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet using tongs or a large spatula; ribs will be very tender and may need to be transferred in sections.
Baste and Broil: Brush the ribs with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to avoid burning due to variable broiler heat.
Serve: Serve the ribs hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the perfect combination of tender meat and sweet, smoky glaze.

Notes

Removing the membrane from the ribs is essential for better flavor and texture.
Use disposable gloves when handling raw meat as a safety precaution.
Broiler times can vary greatly; keep an eye on the ribs to prevent burning.
Slow cooking on low for 5 hours ensures tender and juicy ribs.
Reserve some BBQ sauce for the finishing glaze under the broiler for maximum flavor impact.

Keywords: BBQ ribs, slow cooker ribs, baby back ribs, barbecue recipe, tender ribs, easy ribs recipe, slow cooker BBQ, broiled ribs