Crock Pot Ribs come out melt in your mouth tender and so full of flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or easy weekend dinners with the slow cooker tenderizing in baby back ribs. A quick brush of bbq sauce and a flash grill (or broil) finishes these off beautifully!

Crock Pot BBQ ribs are always a hit and perfect served alongside our favorite Coleslaw Recipe, corn on the cob and Baked French Fries

Crock Pot Ribs on a baking sheet with dipping sauce

How To Prepare Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

I’m pretty much known for my Instant Pot Ribs and my succulent Barbecue Ribs in the Oven so it’s only natural I’d share my fave crockpot rib recipe!

For all the methods, the process is similar, allow the ribs to cook low and slow so the meat becomes buttery and tender and finish up with sauce and a grill (or broil).

  • Prep the ribs by removing the silver membrane from the back (photo below). You can just slip a knife under it and pull (a piece of paper towel can help you grip it if it’s slippery). If you’re having trouble finding the membrane in this step, your ribs may already have it removed. Once in a while you’ll buy ribs that have it already removed.
  • Inspect the rack of ribs for bone pieces/shards as they can sometimes be present from the butcher cutting the ribs.
  • Cut the racks into manageable pieces that will fit into your slow cooker. I usually do halves or thirds depending on the size.

What Kind of Ribs to Buy for Crock Pot Ribs. I use pork baby back ribs (or back ribs). They’re the most tender and flavorful, side ribs also work however they have smaller white bones towards the end that I’m not a fan of (and they may need a little bit of extra time).

Removing the silver membrane from ribs

How to Cook Ribs in a Crock Pot

  1. Combine rub mix and massage into prepared ribs.
  2. Place onion, garlic and ribs in the slow cooker with a touch of water (or broth). Close the lid and let the crock pot work its magic.
  3. Once tender, brush the ribs with sauce (or just olive oil, salt and pepper if you’d prefer) and broil (or grill) for 3 to 5 minutes to get a little bit of char.
  4. Gently remove from the pan, cut ribs apart and serve!

Overhead shot of ribs and onions in a black crockpot

How Long to Cook Ribs in a Crock Pot

Crock Pot Pork Ribs (I use pork baby back ribs) are easy to make as long as you cook them low and slow. We prefer the meat on our ribs to be fall off the bone however, if you’d like a little but more ‘chew’ to your ribs, reduce the time a little bit.

  • Slow Cooker Ribs On Low will need to cook for about 8 hours
  • Slow Cooker Ribs On High will need to cook for about 4 hours

Remember not to lift the lid and peek, this can increase the cooking time substantially.

Crock Pot Ribs served on a plate with mashed potatoes and garlic bread

Perfect Rib Side Dishes

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
Crock Pot Ribs on a baking sheet with dipping sauce
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Crock Pot Ribs

Nothing says busy weeknight or easy weekend dinners like Crock Pot ribs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

a slow cooker
6 QT Slow Cooker
Pastry Brush on white background
Pastry Brush
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Ingredients  

  • 2 racks baby back ribs about 3-4 lbs
  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup water

BBQ Rib Sauce

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup chili sauce
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ Sauce

Instructions 

  • Combine all rub ingredients (below).
  • Remove silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub front and back of the ribs with spice mixture.
  • Place onion, sliced garlic, water and ribs in a slow cooker.
  • Cook ribs on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until fork tender.
  • Preheat broiler. Combine ketchup, chili sauce and barbecue sauce.
  • Brush ribs with sauce mixture and broil (or grill) 3-5 minutes or until charred.

Video

Notes

Rib Rub 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
4.98 from 264 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 297 | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 6.2mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Sally says:

    this wad so simple. next time need a bit more dry rub. I used our favorite BBQ sauce.5 stars

  2. Bob Lee says:

    Can you do this recipe with just one rack of ribs?

    1. Spend With Pennies SN says:

      Yes, you can! The cook time will remain the same.