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Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs cooked low and slow to perfection. Coated with a homemade dry rub and finished with a BBQ sauce glaze in the oven, these ribs are juicy and packed with smoky, savory spices. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this recipe lets the slow cooker do most of the work with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Ribs and Rub

  • 2.5 lbs baby back ribs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • Olive oil cooking spray (for coating ribs)

Instructions

  1. Remove Membrane: Use a butter knife to gently lift and loosen the membrane from the back of the ribs. Grip the membrane with a paper towel to pull it off easily; removing it ensures tenderness and better flavor absorption.
  2. Prepare Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder to form a flavorful dry rub for the ribs.
  3. Coat with Olive Oil: Spray both sides of the ribs evenly with olive oil cooking spray to help the dry rub stick and enhance flavor.
  4. Apply Dry Rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Optionally, let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb the spices.
  5. Prepare Crockpot: Pour the 1/2 cup of water into the crockpot. Lightly grease the crockpot to prevent sticking and place the ribs inside, either laying them flat or curling them to fit.
  6. Slow Cook: Cook the ribs on the low setting for 4-5 hours. Avoid using the high setting to ensure tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
  7. Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before the ribs finish cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get ready for the finishing step.
  8. Prepare for Oven: Carefully remove the ribs from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet lined with nonstick foil for easy cleanup.
  9. Glaze and Bake: Brush or spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the ribs and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce and adds a delightful finish.
  10. Slice and Serve: Remove ribs from the oven, slice between the bones, and serve hot. Enjoy your tender, juicy, and flavorful Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs!

Notes

  • Removing the membrane is key for tender ribs; a paper towel helps with grip.
  • You can prepare the dry rub in advance and refrigerate for deeper flavor.
  • Cooking on low in the crockpot ensures ribs stay juicy and don’t dry out.
  • Use nonstick foil or parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
  • Feel free to adjust BBQ sauce quantity according to your taste preference.
  • For extra smoky flavor, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the water in the crockpot.