Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot

Easy, Tender, and Flavorful Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Introduction

If you are missing barbecue baby back ribs since the cool weather is moving in or just want to put them on first thing in the morning and run your errands or need to go to work this is the perfect recipe for you. This recipe is suitable for preparing barbecue baby back ribs regardless of the weather or time of day.

I will start with my homemade Butt Rub recipe; it is your ticket to flavor town! Whether you're grilling, smoking, cooking in the crock pot or oven-roasting, this versatile rub can be used on pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetables (I love using it to roast vegetables covered in this Butt Rub). With a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy notes, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Then I will go into the how to enjoy those baby back ribs no matter what the weather is or time of year. 

Butt Rub Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Vanilla sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (You can omit Vanilla sugar and use 1 cup brown sugar instead)

• 1/2 cup Vanilla Flaked Salt (Kosher salt can be substituted)

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Measure out all the ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl.

2. Using a whisk or spoon, thoroughly mix everything until evenly combined.

3. Transfer the rub to an airtight container (a mason jar works great!).

4. Store in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months, ready for whenever you fire up the grill, use for roasting in the oven or cooking in the crock pot.

Tips and Variations

• Sweetness: If you love a sweeter rub, stick with the vanilla sugar and brown sugar combo. For a deeper molasses flavor, use all brown sugar.

• Salt: Vanilla flaked salt adds a unique touch, but kosher salt keeps things classic and straightforward.

• Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne and chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.

• Customizations: Feel free to add other spices like smoked paprika, mustard powder, or ground coriander for a personal twist.

• Spice mixes are a great way to get beneficial herbs and spices into your family.

Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

Easy, Tender, and Flavorful Ribs Made in Your Slow Cooker

Baby back ribs are a classic barbecue favorite, but you don’t need a grill to enjoy fall-off-the-bone tenderness. This crock pot recipe allows you to prepare delicious ribs with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The slow cooking process ensures juicy meat, while a simple homemade or bottled barbecue sauce gives these ribs irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds of baby back ribs

• My Butt Rub

• Mustard

• Barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays)

Directions

1. Prep the Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Slide a butter knife between the membrane and meat to loosen then use a paper towel to help grip the membrane and remove. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

2. Take the mustard and cover the ribs all over. This helps the Butt Rub to adhere to the ribs. The flavor of the mustard disappears during the cooking process.

3. Rub the spice mix all over the ribs, be sure to coat all sides.

4. Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or grease with a little olive oil.

5. Add Ribs: Place the ribs in the crock pot. Depending on size, you may need to cut the rack into 2-3 pieces to fit.

6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

7. Remove the ribs from the crock pot and place them on a foil lined sheet pan. Cover them with your favorite barbecue sauce.

8. Broil for caramelized edges, broil in the oven for 2–4 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

   

9. Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with extra sauce and your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Tips

• Remove ribs gently from the crock pot as they may be very tender and could fall apart.

• You can get the ribs ready the night before, this gives them even more flavor.

• This recipe works well with both pork and beef ribs.

  
  

Enjoy Your Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs!

This easy slow cooker recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.