Baby back ribs in a crock pot are an easy and foolproof way to achieve restaurant-quality ribs at home. By slow-cooking the ribs, you allow the flavors to fully develop while ensuring the meat becomes incredibly tender. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a barbecue-style feast, these ribs are a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Equipment
- Crock pot (slow cooker)
- Knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off. This step ensures the ribs cook evenly and become more tender.
- Cut the ribs into sections that fit into your crock pot, usually 2–3 ribs per section.
2. Season the Ribs:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
3. Set Up the Crock Pot:
- Place the ribs in the crock pot, standing them upright along the edges to maximize space.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the crock pot. This helps tenderize the meat as it cooks.
4. Slow Cook the Ribs:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
- Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the crock pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Brush barbecue sauce generously over the ribs.
6. Optional Finish in the Oven:
- For a caramelized, sticky glaze, broil the ribs in the oven on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve:
- Serve the ribs warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Tips
- Adjust the Flavor: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the flavor. Smoky, sweet, or spicy—pick what you love!
- Add Liquid Smoke: For an extra smoky taste, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the crock pot.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover ribs, wrap them in foil and warm in a low oven (250°F/120°C) for about 20 minutes.
These crock pot baby back ribs are as easy as they are delicious. The slow cooking ensures perfectly tender meat every time, while the barbecue sauce adds that irresistible smoky-sweet flavor. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a casual get-together, these ribs are sure to impress!
Baby Back Ribs in Crock Pot Recipe
Tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, these crock pot baby back ribs are the perfect comfort food. Slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in barbecue sauce, they’re a must-try!
Equipment
- Crock pot (slow cooker)
- Knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs about 4 pounds total
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for spice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off. This step ensures the ribs cook evenly and become more tender.
- Cut the ribs into sections that fit into your crock pot, usually 2–3 ribs per section.
- Season the Ribs:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Set Up the Crock Pot:
- Place the ribs in the crock pot, standing them upright along the edges to maximize space.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the crock pot. This helps tenderize the meat as it cooks.
- Slow Cook the Ribs:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
- Add Barbecue Sauce:
- Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the crock pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Brush barbecue sauce generously over the ribs.
- Optional Finish in the Oven:
- For a caramelized, sticky glaze, broil the ribs in the oven on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Serve the ribs warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Leave a Reply