Description
These Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are incredibly tender, juicy, and full of smoky-sweet flavor. With a homemade spice rub and plenty of BBQ sauce, the ribs cook low and slow to perfection, making this an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 3 to 3½ pounds baby back ribs
- BBQ Rub:
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Sauce:
- 2½ cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if still attached. Cut ribs into sections to fit into the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin.
- Rub spice mix evenly over all sides of the ribs.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker, arranging upright or layered as needed.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs, coating them thoroughly. Do not add extra liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until ribs are very tender.
- Optional: Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use spicy or honey BBQ sauce for flavor variation.
- Try adding a splash of apple juice or pineapple juice to the sauce for added depth.
- Broiling is optional but adds a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Make the rub ahead and season ribs a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low setting)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
