Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Would you believe it if I told you slow cooker baby back ribs are even better than using the grill? Try it for yourself! With the slow cooker, you can prep BBQ ribs with no fuss and low mess – and they are perfectly tender every time!
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What’s To Love About This Recipe
- This recipe is comparable – if not better – to the tasty ribs you might get from a smoker, grill, or your favorite BBQ restaurant.
- Many home cooks view a juicy, delicious rack of ribs as a treat for a special meal or requiring lots of effort. Not so with the slow cooker! Take just a few minutes to season and prepare the ribs, then set them to slow-cook all day while you’re away.
- Baby back ribs are a great choice for the slow cooker because they can fit easily and the option to cook them on low makes them fall-off-the-bone tender.
- This recipe would be a crowd-pleaser as a main meal or a hearty appetizer. Baby back ribs are also easy enough for just a tasty family meal at home!
- And, an added perk of slow cooker ribs – no smoky mess or smell to linger on your clothes when you’re done!
Ingredients Needed
- Baby back ribs – Look for extra-meaty pork baby back ribs (about 3-4 pounds). I like using baby back ribs because they tend to have a good amount of meat, but are also slightly lean. The meat cooks tenderly in the slow cooker on a low setting.
- Homemade Memphis Rub – If you haven’t already mixed up a batch of this seasoning, you’ll want to make extra! Homemade Memphis rub is a sweet and smoky blend with just a hint of cinnamon. It works well with lots of pork and beef recipes and you can store it in your pantry for several months.
- BBQ sauce – I love using classic Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce for my slow cooker ribs, but you can choose any BBQ sauce that suits you. Customize the ribs by adding a spicier sauce or using a reduced-sugar option.
How To Make Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
- Cut ribs as needed to fit into the slow cooker, and remove membrane if present.
- Sprinkle both sides of the ribs with homemade Memphis rub seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Place cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush them with BBQ sauce.
- Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
Pro Tips
- Pro Tips
- A 6-quart or larger oval slow cooker works best for the shape and size of the ribs, but you can also cut them to fit as well.
- If you need to cut the ribs to fit a smaller slow cooker, find the space right next to the bone to divide them. Use a very sharp knife!
- Some grocery stores and butcher counters will already have the membrane removed. If it is present, be sure to remove it to allow the ribs to absorb the seasoning and stay moist during cooking.
- For best results, make sure the finished ribs are cooked between 190 – 200℉.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
With the slow cooker, it’s easy to take a baby back ribs recipe and make it your own!
Any BBQ or beef-type seasoning will work for this recipe if you want to adjust the spice. From store-bought to homemade, you have lots of options to make it smokier, spicier, sweeter, or saltier.
You can also customize baby back ribs with your choice of BBQ sauce. I prefer using Sweet Baby Ray’s as a traditional option, and it’s also pretty easy to find in most stores. Primal Kitchen offers a delicious no-sugar BBQ sauce, and there are plenty of other spicy options to up the heat!
Many local BBQ restaurants have their sauces available for purchase as well. Grab a bottle and support a business in your community while enjoying tasty ribs at home.
Lastly, be sure to use baby back ribs vs. another rib cut (i.e. spareribs, country-style ribs, or St. Louis-cut, etc.) for this recipe. Baby back ribs will have more meat than other cuts and are also leaner. This is better for cooking slowly on a lower heat setting.
How To Serve Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs make me think of summer cookouts and sports gatherings. But really, you could serve any of your favorite sides and call it a meal!
Add some classic BBQ sides like mac’n’cheese, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic. Make some Corn on the Cob in your Instant Pot while the ribs are cooking for even more simplicity.
Fresh rolls with butter and a side salad would make great additions to an effortless and delicious family dinner!
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave on reduced power, or add the ribs back to a foil-lined pan to broil again for a few minutes in the oven.
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Foil-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound extra-meaty pork baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons Homemade Memphis Rub
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Cut ribs as needed to fit into slow cooker, and remove membrane if present
- Sprinkle both sides of ribs with homemade Memphis rub seasoning
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
- Place cooked ribs on foil-lined baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce
- Broil in oven for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned
Notes
- Store leftover ribs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or under the oven broiler for a few minutes.
- Ribs will turn out the most tender when cooked slowly and on lower heat. I recommend cooking on low for 8 hours vs. on a high setting.
- Cook the ribs to 190 – 200℉ for the most tender results, then add them to the oven to brown for a few minutes right before serving.
- While it’s not easy to overcook slow cooker ribs (compared to other methods), it’s still important to keep an eye on them so they don’t turn tough and chewy.
Nutrition
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs FAQs
- What is the best way to remove the membrane from the ribs? To remove the membrane from a rack of ribs, get a dull knife, such as a butter knife, and position the tip against a rib bone near one end of the rack. Then, slide the knife down the length of the bone to separate the membrane from the meat. It should begin to detach and you can use your hand or the knife to remove the rest of the membrane.
- Can you cook ribs in a slow cooker without liquid? You do not need additional liquid in the slow cooker with the ribs since the juices will release during cooking. If you think the ribs will need extra moisture in the slow cooker, you can add a small amount of beef broth or water to the bottom of the pot.
- Do you slow cook ribs face up or down? Place the ribs into the slow cooker with the meat facing up or toward the side of the slow cooker.
- Should I rotate ribs in a slow cooker? This is an optional step that may depend on the size and shape of your slow cooker. If you rotate the ribs, only do so one time to prevent too much heat and moisture from escaping the slow cooker.
Came out delicious, but I think that 8 hours was too much. I think the next time (and there will be a next time) I’m going to give it 6 hours.
Glad to hear there will be a next time! Enjoy.
Since my wife of over 50 years passed away I’ve been looking for different ways to prepare meals….We never used a slow cooker, but I’m loving it….I don’t like barbeque sauces on my meats….I’ ve tried your ribs with your Memphis rub recipe…..It’s fantastic without any sauce on them….The ribs are so tender and delicious…..Thank you….I will make this often
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the kind words about my recipes.
Hi, how long do them take to cook in High setting?
Hi Tania! I recommend the low setting for best results. Cooking ribs too quickly can make them tough. If you want to give it a try I would start with 4 hours on high, but keep in mind they may not turn out how you are hoping.
Hi! it doesn’t take any liquid?
Hi Carol! I didn’t use any liquid, as they tended to produce their own as they started cooking. You could add just a little beef broth or water in the bottom if you are concerned that they could dry out, but I’d stick to only about 1/2 cup or so. Otherwise they turn out a little more braised or steamed than roasted.
Holy Moly, those look delicious! I have not used my slow cooker much but you have inspired me. Great photos!
Thanks so much!!!