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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs (Fall-Off-the-Bone)

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Achieve perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs with minimal effort using your slow cooker! These ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, slow-cooked until succulent, and then finished in the oven for that irresistible sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. 

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribs:

  • 2-3 lbs pork baby back ribs (typically 1 rack)

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Begin by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a crucial step for achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness; use a paper towel for a better grip if needed. Pat the ribs thoroughly dry with a paper towel.
  2. Apply Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Generously rub this spice mixture evenly all over both sides of the prepared ribs.
  3. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Cut the rack of ribs in half (or into smaller sections if necessary) to fit comfortably into your slow cooker. Place half of the seasoned ribs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour approximately 1 cup of your chosen BBQ sauce over this layer. Place the remaining half of the ribs on top, and pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over them. You can also arrange the ribs vertically around the sides of the slow cooker if it helps them fit.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
  5. Oven Finish (Crucial Step for Texture): Once the ribs are cooked through and tender, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Carefully remove the cooked ribs from the slow cooker and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Glaze and Broil: Brush the ribs generously with the sauce from the slow cooker, or with additional fresh BBQ sauce if you prefer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake/broil for 10 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly, sticky, and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  7. Serve: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing them between the bones. Serve immediately with any remaining BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Membrane Removal: This step is often overlooked but is key to achieving truly fall-off-the-bone ribs. The membrane can become tough and chewy if not removed.
  • The Oven Finish: While the slow cooker makes the ribs tender, the quick blast in the oven is what gives them that desirable sticky, slightly charred, and caramelized exterior that mimics grilled ribs.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, make sure to use a BBQ sauce that is certified gluten-free. Many popular brands offer gluten-free varieties.
  • Serving Suggestions: These ribs are fantastic with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or mac and cheese.
  • Leftovers: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy these incredibly tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs!
  • Author: Elle
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://slowcookerrecipes.us/slow-cooker-baby-back-ribs/