Description

Tender, sticky, and packed with smoky BBQ flavor, these Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are the ultimate easy dinner idea. With just a few minutes of prep, this recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs that taste like they came straight off the grill. Ideal for busy nights, backyard gatherings, or when you just crave comfort food, this foolproof dish is a go-to for quick dinner recipes, healthy-ish protein-packed meals, and family-friendly food ideas. It’s the perfect slow cooker recipe when you want flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)

Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening a corner with a knife and pulling it off using a paper towel.

2. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.

3. Mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a bowl. Rub the mixture thoroughly over both sides of the ribs.

4. Grease your slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a light coat of oil.

5. Cut the racks in half if needed and arrange the ribs in the slow cooker—stack or curl them to fit.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until meat is tender and pulling from the bone.

7. Carefully remove ribs using tongs and transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet.

8. Brush generously with extra BBQ sauce.

9. Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until sauce bubbles and caramelizes.

10. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Removing the membrane is key to getting super tender ribs and allowing flavors to soak in.

Don’t skip the final broil—it gives the ribs that delicious caramelized BBQ crust.

These ribs are great for meal prep; store and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker + Broil
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 460
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 105mg