This Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with rich, smoky flavors, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these ribs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Servings:Â 6
Ingredients
Ribs
- 2 racks of baby back ribs about 2–2.5 lbs / 900–1100g total
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp chili powder optional, for mild heat
Instructions
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Prepare the Ribs
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Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for tender results.
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Combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
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Rub the spice mix evenly over both sides of the ribs.
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Prepare the Sauce
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In a separate bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder.
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Slow Cooker Setup
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Cut each rack into 2–3 sections to fit in your slow cooker.
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Place ribs standing up or layered in the slow cooker.
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Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure each piece is coated.
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Cook Low and Slow
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) until ribs are tender and pull apart easily.
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Optional: Broil for Finish
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Preheat your oven broiler.
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Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet.
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Brush with extra barbecue sauce.
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Broil 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred.
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Serve
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Slice ribs between bones and serve hot with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.