Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs with BBQ and Spice Rub Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Pork Ribs recipe offers tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs infused with a flavorful dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the ribs cook low and slow in a slow cooker for hours, resulting in juicy, delicious meat that can be finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze. Ideal for a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ribs

  • 1 rack pork baby back ribs (~3 lbs), meaty ribs preferred

Spice Rub

  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, be generous

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups BBQ sauce, use your favorite brand or homemade

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane: Using a knife, lift a corner of the membrane on the back side of the ribs. Grab it with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it straight off. Removing the membrane helps the seasonings penetrate and improves tenderness.
  2. Pat dry and slice ribs: Thoroughly pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Slice the rack in half with a sharp knife to fit better in the slow cooker and for even cooking.
  3. Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all seasonings.
  4. Season the ribs: Generously apply the dry rub all over the ribs on all sides, massaging it in to coat completely for maximum flavor.
  5. Layer ribs in slow cooker: Place half of the ribs in a 6-7 quart slow cooker with the meat side facing up. Brush or spoon BBQ sauce over the ribs to coat. Add the remaining ribs on top and repeat the sauce application.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-5 hours. For ribs with a slight chew but still tender, 3 ½ hours on high works well. For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, cook 6-7 hours on low.
  7. Optional broiling step: For extra caramelization, preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil, transfer the cooked ribs carefully, brush with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
  8. Serve and store: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve warm with your favorite sides. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Choose a BBQ sauce with robust flavor, as slow cooking won’t impart smoky notes like grilling would.
  • Both baby back ribs and St. Louis style ribs work well; adjust cooking time based on thickness and tenderness preference.
  • Keep an eye on the ribs during cooking to prevent overcooking since sizes can vary.
  • Removing the membrane aids in tenderness and allows better seasoning absorption.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 rack (approximately 6 oz cooked)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://garlicpan.com/slow-cooker-baby-back-ribs-with-bbq-and-spice-rub-recipe/