Crockpot Baby Back Ribs: Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Goodness

There’s nothing quite like a plate of perfectly cooked Baby Back Ribs, and this slow-cooker recipe will give you the most tender, flavorful ribs without any fuss. With a delicious, tangy barbecue sauce that balances sweetness and heat, these ribs practically melt in your mouth. Plus, the Crockpot does all the work, leaving you with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

The key to making these ribs so tender is the slow cooking process, which allows the meat to cook low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. The homemade sauce gives the ribs a sweet and spicy kick, and the option to broil them at the end adds a nice caramelized finish. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Common Questions About This Recipe:

Can I use a different cut of ribs?
Yes! While baby back ribs are perfect for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the rack.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them the day before and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the Crockpot or on the grill for a few minutes to warm them up.

What You Need to Make Crockpot Baby Back Ribs:

Ingredients:

• 1 rack (about 3 pounds) baby back ribs
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 cups barbecue sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

How to Make Crockpot Baby Back Ribs:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Cut the rack of ribs into two or three sections, depending on the size of your Crockpot. Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This sauce will give the ribs that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3. Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs into the Crockpot and drizzle some of the prepared sauce over each layer. Make sure the ribs are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Baste the ribs with the sauce every few hours for extra flavor.
4. Optional: Broil for a Caramelized Finish: After cooking, preheat your broiler to high. Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes to get a nice caramelized finish. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve hot with your favorite sides. These ribs are perfect with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Variations

• Sweet and Spicy: Add a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a sweet and spicy combo.
• Garlic Herb Ribs: For an extra savory kick, sprinkle garlic powder and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on the ribs before cooking.

Crockpot Baby Back Ribs with a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce

Tips for the Best Crockpot Baby Back Ribs:

• Baste the ribs with sauce every few hours during cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. For very tender ribs, you’ll want an internal temperature of at least 200°F.
• Store leftovers wrapped in foil and sealed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.

These Crockpot Baby Back Ribs are so tender and flavorful, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with grilling them! The slow cooker makes the process effortless, while the savory-sweet sauce elevates the flavors to another level.

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