Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs
These slow cooker BBQ baby back ribs are seriously delicious and so tender! They fall off the bone beautifully and melt in your mouth. Seasoned with a homemade dry rub, slow cooked for 6 hours, and broiled with BBQ sauce to caramelized perfection.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back beef ribs also known as beef loin back ribs
- 0.5 yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite, or to taste
Dry Rub
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the outer membrane from the back side of the ribs by loosening it with a knife and pulling it off.
- Pat dry ribs with paper towel. Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl and rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Place ribs in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, and water around the ribs. Cover with lid.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours until ribs are tender. For 4-pound racks, cook 6.5 hours.
- Carefully remove ribs from slow cooker and transfer to a large sheet pan. Cut into sections if needed to avoid breaking.
- Brush ribs with BBQ sauce. Broil for 2–4 minutes until caramelized. Keep on the middle rack to avoid burning.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce and optional onions from the slow cooker. Enjoy!
Notes
Use baby back ribs for best results. If using St. Louis or spare ribs, adjust the cooker size and time accordingly. The dry rub can be made in advance. Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.