Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs — fall-off-the-bone tender, deeply flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work, then finish them off under the broiler or on the grill for a caramelized, sticky glaze.

🍖 Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

🍽️ Servings: 4–6

🕒 Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) | 3–4 hours (high)

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 racks (about 4 lbs) baby back ribs

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1–2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps make them extra tender). Use a paper towel to grip and peel it off.

2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

🔹 Step 2: Season

3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs — both sides. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to overnight for deeper flavor).

🔹 Step 3: Slow Cook

4. Coil or layer the ribs in your slow cooker (cut in half if needed to fit).

5. Add ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs.

6. Cover and cook on:

   • LOW for 6–8 hours, or

   • HIGH for 3–4 hours,
     until ribs are tender but not falling apart.

🔹 Step 4: Finish (Broil or Grill)

7. Preheat your broiler (or grill) to high.

8. Carefully transfer ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil.

9. Brush generously with more BBQ sauce.

10. Broil or grill for 5–7 minutes, or until caramelized and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

🌶️ Optional Additions

• Add ½ cup apple juice, beer, or broth to the slow cooker for extra moisture.

• Mix a little honey or maple syrup into your BBQ sauce for added sweetness.

• For a smoky kick, use chipotle BBQ sauce.

🥗 Serve With:

• Coleslaw

• Cornbread

• Baked beans

• Grilled corn

• Potato salad or mac & cheese