Discover the ultimate recipe for fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs made effortlessly in your slow cooker! These juicy and flavorful ribs are seasoned to perfection, cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness, and finished in the oven with a sticky, caramelized barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or summer BBQs, this recipe is easy to make and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Pair these slow-cooker ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete and crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you’re looking for easy barbecue ribs, slow cooker recipes, or the best way to cook tender baby back ribs, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

3 pounds baby back ribs, trimmed
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup water
½ onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (18-ounce) bottle of barbecue sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs:
Season the baby back ribs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Cut the ribs in half to fit snugly into your slow cooker.
Load the Slow Cooker:
Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned ribs inside, layering them if necessary. Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly over the ribs. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Slow Cook:
Set the slow cooker to high and cook the ribs for 4 hours. The ribs will become incredibly tender and infused with flavor.
Caramelize the Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker, as they will be very tender and may fall apart. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
Bake:
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes or until the barbecue sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly sticky. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Table of Contents

Tips

For extra flavor, you can marinate the ribs overnight with your favorite spice rub before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are fully cooked; they should reach an internal temperature of 190°F–203°F for maximum tenderness.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or liquid smoke to the water in the slow cooker for a smokier flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Barbecue Sauce Options: Experiment with different barbecue sauces such as spicy, honey, or smoky flavors.
Seasoning: Try adding a dry rub of smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder for a more complex flavor profile.
Meat Choices: Swap baby back ribs for spare ribs or country-style ribs if preferred.

FAQs

Can I cook the ribs on low in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the ribs on low for 8 hours if you prefer.

Do I have to caramelize the sauce in the oven?
No, but baking the ribs in the oven after slow cooking enhances the flavor and creates a deliciously sticky glaze.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the ribs in the slow cooker, refrigerate, and then reheat and caramelize in the oven just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
Pair them with cornbread or dinner rolls for a complete barbecue meal.
Add some roasted vegetables or a green salad to balance the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These slow-cooker baby back ribs are incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious, and effortless to make. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and finishing them in the oven gives them that perfect caramelized barbecue glaze. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit!