Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs come out tender, juicy, and fall off the bone delicious with minimal effort. They're slow cooked until perfectly tender, then broiled with your favorite BBQ sauce for that irresistible sticky finish.
This recipe reminds me of backyard cookouts but instead of cooking in the heat, I make the ribs in the slow cooker to keep cool. These ribs pair great with my Pesto Pasta Salad or Classic Potato Salad for a full summer meal that doesn't require standing over a hot grill.
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Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Ribs
Hands off cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work.
Perfectly tender: The ribs turn out fall-off-the-bone every time.
Family friendly: A crowd pleaser for cookouts, game day, or Sunday dinner.
Key Ingredients
Baby Back Ribs: These are smaller and leaner than spare ribs, making them perfect for slow cooking.
Celery & Onion: Add flavor and aroma to the cooking liquid.
Black Peppercorns: Infuse the meat with just a hint of spice.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap peppercorns for crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Use beef ribs if baby back ribs are available.
Replace onion with shallots for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Recipe Variations
Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the BBQ sauce before broiling.
Asian-style Ribs: Glaze with hoisin, garlic, and ginger instead of BBQ Sauce.
Maple Mustard Ribs: Mix maple syrup with whole grain mustard for a tangy sweet glaze.
Top Tips
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs before cooking for the best texture.
- Don't skip the broiling step. It caramelized the sauce and adds that sticky BBQ finish.
- You can refrigerate the ribs overnight with dry rub before cooking for deeper flavor.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat under the broiler or in the air fryer to crisp them up again.
- Ribs can be frozen (before or after broiling) for up to 3 months.
Serve With...
Pair these slow cooker ribs with:
When you make this recipe for slow cooker baby back ribs, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby back ribs , membrane removed
- 2 large celery stalks ,cut in half
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 5½ cups water
- 1 medium onion ,sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Place prepared baby back ribs in crockpot. Add water, celery, onion, and peppercorns.
- Line cookie sheet with foil. Place ribs on foil and brush BBQ sauce over top. Broil on high approximately 5 minutes. Turn and repeat. Serve!
- Cook ribs in on high setting for 1½ hours. Change to low setting and continue to cook for 5 more hours.
- Preheat broiler on high.
- Remove ribs from crockpot and place on foil lined baking sheet.
- Brush ribs with barbecue sauce and place under broiler for 5-6 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and starts to glaze the ribs with a slight char around the edges.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
These are a long time favorite. The slow cooker method is so easy and I love the crispy bits you get from broiling them with the barbecue sauce at the end. This is also perfect for staying cool in the kitchen.
Ruth says
Reminded me of an Austin Powers movie! Looks sticky-delicious!
maggie says
Yum! What a great looking dish. I was hoping these were from the crockpot. Am bookmarking now! Thanks!
Matt says
Another amazing look meat dish! I do love barbecue sauce. Fantastic photography!
Maryann says
Now I'm craving ribs! They look so good! 🙂
gaga says
Mmm, those look finger-looking good!
Megan says
I'm ready for some pork!
Megan says
I love babyback ribs an I'm ready for a slab of pork and a crockpot method!
Danielle says
Looks tasty! You can go wrong with a slab of ribs yum yum yum
Chef E says
Man that looks great...I am jonsin for BBQ, and you are the second I have seen this weekend...they look wonderful, and saucy!
Aggie says
Sweet Baby Ray's is our favorite! Those ribs look awesome!!
Debbie says
The ribs look so good. I like the way they were cooked. I will have to try this the next time I make them. Thanks!
♥Reeni says
What a beautiful crust on them! They look really awesome!