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Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs
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This Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe offers tender, juicy ribs infused with smoky and tangy flavors, cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone perfection. Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, it delivers delicious ribs with rich BBQ flavor, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2–3 pounds)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite classic or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Dry Rub Spices

  • 1 tablespoon paprika (regular or smoked for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ribs: Start by removing the tough silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs to allow better flavor absorption and tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the dry rub sticks properly.
  2. Apply the dry rub: In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Generously sprinkle the spice blend all over the ribs, rubbing it evenly on both sides to create a flavorful crust.
  3. Arrange ribs in the slow cooker: Coil the ribs standing on their side or lay them flat depending on your slow cooker size. Pour in the water or broth along with the apple cider vinegar to keep the environment moist during cooking.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow heat gently breaks down the collagen to make ribs tender and fall off the bone.
  5. Add BBQ sauce and glaze: About 30 minutes before serving, brush your favorite BBQ sauce generously over the ribs, then cover and let it cook further to develop a sticky, caramelized finish.
  6. Optional finishing touch: For a glossy, slightly charred effect, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil under high heat for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Remove the membrane to improve flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Use a balanced dry rub for sweet, smoky, and savory flavor complexity.
  • Don’t skip adding water or broth in the slow cooker for moist ribs.
  • Finish under the broiler for a caramelized crust without drying out the ribs.
  • Cook on low heat, not high, for best fall-off-the-bone texture.
  • Adjust spice levels or sauces to customize flavor, including options for spicy, smoky, sweet, low-sodium, or gluten-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ baby back ribs, easy ribs recipe, fall off the bone ribs, slow cooked BBQ, gluten free ribs

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/slow-cooker-bbq-baby-back-ribs/