Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs couldn’t be easier to make! With just a few steps, you will let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, delivering the best fall-off-the-bone flavorful ribs.
Why slow-cooked ribs?
Slow-cooked ribs are truly the best! They’re incredibly easy to prepare, and their hands-off approach is perfect for those hot summer months when grilling outside feels like a chore.
I’ve been making this recipe for over 20 years, serving it at both big and small events. And let me tell you, you can’t beat the ribs from Costco! Pair these mouthwatering ribs with all your favorite BBQ sides like potato salad, roasted sweet potatoes, cheesy hashbrown casserole, and my favorite rosemary smashed potatoes.
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Ingredients for Easy Crockpot BBQ Rib
- Baby Back Ribs – St Louis style ribs can be substitute for the baby back ribs. Learn more about the differences below.
- BBQ Spice Rub – Click on the link to get my homemade spice rub or use your favorite store-bought rub.
- Water
- BBQ Sauce – From Gates, Joe’s and Jack Stack’s sauces there are so many awesome choices here in Kansas City. Use your favorite.
How to make slow cooker ribs
Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by slipping a butter knife under it and ripping it off. I bought my ribs from Cosco, and it was already removed, which is a big bonus!
Step 2: Rub the spice blend all over the ribs, coating them evenly on both sides. Cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit them into your slow cooker if necessary.
Step 3: Place the ribs into the crockpot, standing them up on their curved side in a circular pattern around the edges. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Step 4: Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a cookie sheet. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce on both sides.
Step 5: Set your oven to broil. Place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. I prefer ribs that are not dripping with sauce.
Step 6: Rest the ribs for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Kitchen tools for making tender BBQ Ribs
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Variations
Honey Bourbon Sauce – Try this sauce instead of a store-bought barbeque sauce. It’s a huge hit on these baked wings.
Asian-Inspired Ribs – Try this recipe from Bites with Bri Serve with steamed rice and stir fry veggies.
Teriyaki Ribs – Use a teriyaki sauce in place of the BBQ sauce.
Cajun Ribs – Use this cajun spice blend and skip the sauce.
What’s the difference between Baby Back Ribs and St. Louis Style ribs?
St. Louis-style ribs are spare ribs that are trimmed to create a more uniform shape. They tend to be more rectangular, making them look neat and consistent. They are also meatier and have more fat content than baby back ribs.
Baby back rib storage
Let the ribs cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.
Tips for making crockpot bbq ribs
- Finish with a Broil
- Let them Rest
- Serve with a Classic Side
BBQ Rib serving suggestions
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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Baby Back Ribs
- 1/4 cup BBQ Spice Rub
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by slipping a butter knife under it and ripping it off. I bought my ribs from Cosco, and it was already removed, which is a big bonus!3 pounds Baby Back Ribs
- Rub the spice blend all over the ribs, coating them evenly on both sides. Cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit them into your slow cooker if necessary. Pour the water into the bottom of the slow cooker.1/4 cup BBQ Spice Rub, 1/2 cup Water
- Place the ribs into the crockpot, standing them up on their curved side in a circular pattern around the edges. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a cookie sheet. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce on both sides.1 cup BBQ Sauce
- If desired, you can broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Notes
- Finish with a Broil.
- Let them Rest.
- Serve with a Classic Side.
These are easy and amazing. I love serving them when for a casual evening in the summer.
These ribs were perfection !!! Awesome recipe !!
The perfect summer recipe! I’ve never had good luck in the past with grilling ribs. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve never tried making ribs in the slow cooker. Tender, juicy and delicious!
These ribs were so tender that the meat literally fell off the bone. They were mouthwatering and delicious. Great recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the ribs. Thank you!