Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork baby back ribs with a rich barbecue sauce. The ribs are slow-cooked for hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth texture, then broiled briefly to caramelize the sauce for a sticky, delicious finish. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
Dry Rub Seasoning
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Barbecue Sauce
- 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided (1 1/2 cups for slow cooking, 1/2 cup for broiling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the spice rub.
- Apply the Seasoning: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it firmly into the meat to maximize flavor absorption.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: If necessary, cut the racks to fit and arrange them inside the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Pour 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce over the ribs, coating them thoroughly for flavorful slow cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until the ribs become tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Prepare for Broiling: Carefully transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and brush with the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce to add extra glaze and flavor.
- Broil to Finish: Place the ribs under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely until the sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly sticky, enhancing the texture and taste.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures they are more tender and flavorful.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized flavor profile.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can finish the ribs on a hot grill or in a very hot oven.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the ribs when broiling to prevent burning.
