Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs! Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are bursting with flavor, all without spending hours in the kitchen. This mouthwatering recipe combines a perfect blend of spices and a rich barbecue sauce, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or weekend gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create a feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the secret to achieving that smoky, savory goodness—read on to discover how to make these irresistible ribs!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under the thin membrane and peeling it off completely.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and generously coat both sides of the ribs with the prepared dry rub, massaging the seasoning into the meat.
- Cut the rib racks into sections that will fit comfortably inside your slow cooker, typically into 3-4 piece sections.
- Place the seasoned rib sections vertically in the slow cooker, standing them up against the sides with the meaty side facing outward.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the ribs to become tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Optional: For additional caramelization, place ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the sauce becomes slightly charred and sticky.
- Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into individual portions and serving hot.
Tips
- Membrane Removal: Always start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial for ensuring the seasonings penetrate the meat and for achieving that tender texture everyone loves.
- Dry Rub Magic: Don’t skimp on the dry rub! Generously coat the ribs with your spice mix, and massage it in well. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps create a delicious crust as they cook.
- Vertical Cooking: When placing the ribs in the slow cooker, arrange them vertically with the meaty side facing out. This allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Barbecue Sauce Timing: Brush on the barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning, giving your ribs that perfect sticky glaze.
- Broiler Finish: For an extra touch of perfection, consider broiling the ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking. This step adds a delightful char and intensifies the flavors.
- Resting Period: Don’t rush to cut into the ribs right away! Let them rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal that will impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
