Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort. Cooking them low and slow ensures the meat falls off the bone, while a final broil caramelizes the BBQ sauce for a delicious finish.

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 as 2 cups and ½ cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs using a small sharp kitchen knife. Lift a corner of the membrane and slide the knife underneath, then pull the membrane off with your fingers. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin until combined.
3. Step 3: Spread about two-thirds of the spice rub over the meaty side of the ribs, then spread the remaining one-third on the underside where the membrane was removed.
4. Step 4: Spray a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon or basting brush, spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
6. Step 6: Place the ribs meaty side against the sides of the slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
8. Step 8: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, leaving ½ cup for finishing later.
9. Step 9: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
10. Step 10: About 10 minutes before the ribs finish, preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
11. Step 11: Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the baking sheet. The ribs will be tender and may need to be moved in sections.
12. Step 12: Baste the ribs with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Removing the membrane is key for tender ribs and better flavor—don’t skip this step.
• Try different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy, smoky, or sweet to customize the taste.
• For even more flavor, marinate the ribs with the rub and sauce overnight before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out. You can also freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby back ribs without removing the membrane?

While you can cook ribs with the membrane on, removing it results in more tender, flavorful meat that’s easier to eat.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can bake the ribs in a covered roasting pan at 275°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, then broil as directed to finish.

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

Deliciously tender and flavorful BBQ baby back ribs slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze. This easy slow cooker recipe uses a simple homemade rub and your favorite BBQ sauce to create ribs with rich smoky notes and melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.

• Author: Ria
• 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 1x2x3x

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, your favorite brand (divided: 2 cups and ½ cup)

Instructions

1. Remove the membrane: Carefully lift the corner edge of the opaque membrane covering the underside of the ribs with a small sharp kitchen knife. Slide the knife’s edge underneath and continue lifting while cutting. Once loosened, pull the membrane away using your fingers. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended while handling raw meat for safety.
2. Make the rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin until combined.
3. Apply the rub: Spread two-thirds of the spice rub evenly over the meaty side of the ribs. Then spread the remaining one-third on the underside where the membrane was removed.
4. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Add BBQ sauce on ribs: Using a spoon or a basting brush, spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
6. Place ribs in slow cooker: Position the ribs with the meaty side facing outward against the sides of the slow cooker.
7. Coat inside ribs: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside (bone side) of the ribs.
8. Top ribs with sauce: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, reserving the last ½ cup for the broiling step.
9. Cook ribs low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 hours until the ribs are tender.
10. Preheat broiler and prep baking sheet: About 10 minutes before cooking time is done, preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
11. Transfer ribs carefully: Using tongs or a large spatula, transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet. The ribs will be very tender, so transfer in sections if needed.
12. Baste and broil: Brush the ribs with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning as broiler intensities vary.
13. Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

• Removing the membrane is crucial for better texture and flavor.
• Use disposable gloves when handling raw pork for food safety.
• Adjust cooking time if your ribs are larger or smaller; ensure they are tender but not falling apart.
• Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for personalized flavor.
• Broiling caramelizes the BBQ sauce for added texture and taste—monitor carefully to avoid burning.
• Leftover ribs store well refrigerated and can be reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: BBQ ribs, slow cooker ribs, baby back ribs, barbecue ribs, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, slow cooked pork ribs, dinner, comfort food