There’s nothing quite like a rack of tender, saucy ribs—but who says you need to fire up the grill or babysit the oven all day? With this Slow Cooker Ribs recipe, you’ll get perfectly juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.
This recipe is cozy, family-friendly, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something special—perfect for Sunday suppers, game days, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a little flair.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner / Main Dish |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6–8 hours (low) / 4 hours (high) |
| Servings | 4–6 servings |
| Calories | ~420 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for tender results. Pat dry with paper towels. - Make the dry rub
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub generously over both sides of the ribs. - Arrange in the slow cooker
Cut each rack into halves or thirds so they fit. Place them in the slow cooker standing up along the sides. - Add sauce
Pour 1 ½ cups of barbecue sauce over the ribs, reserving ½ cup for later. Cover with the lid. - Cook low and slow
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone. - Finish under the broiler (optional but recommended)
Preheat your oven broiler. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush with remaining barbecue sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized. - Serve and enjoy
Slice into individual ribs and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Membrane removal: Don’t skip removing the silver skin—it makes the ribs much more tender.
- For extra smoky flavor: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce before slow cooking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy kick: Add extra cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce before cooking.
- Sweet & tangy: Mix in a little honey or apple cider vinegar with the barbecue sauce.
- Protein swap: Try with even beef short ribs.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairings: coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.
- Summer sides: potato salad, grilled corn, or a crisp garden salad.
- Cozy comfort: mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Ribs are everything you want in comfort food—easy, tender, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Serve them fresh, share them with loved ones, and enjoy every saucy, juicy bite.