If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t want to spend hours tending to a grill, these slow cooker baby back ribs are the perfect solution. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently braising the ribs until they’re incredibly tender and juicy. A quick finish under the broiler ensures they have that classic, caramelized barbecue crust. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend gathering or just a cozy dinner at home, these ribs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender meat. Cut each rack in half to fit into your slow cooker.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them upright along the edges if needed. In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Pour this mixture over the ribs.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.
- Finish Under the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce if desired. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice between the bones and enjoy!
