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    🏠Home » Recipes » Pork Rib Recipes

    Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Jun 11, 2023 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · Last modified: Jun 12, 2023 · 27 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - TOC - Print

    This Crock Pot Baby Back Rib recipe is an easy way to cook delicious and fall-off-the-bone tender BBQ pork ribs—perfect ribs with only 5 minutes of prep and a crock pot.

    Baby Back Ribs on orange plate
    Jump To:
    • 🐖Ingredients
    • 👨‍🍳How to Cook Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot
    • ⏲️How long to cook baby back ribs in a crock pot?
    • ✔️Tips
    • What dry rub to use for crock pot baby back ribs?
    • 🐖What are baby back ribs
    • ❓FAQs
    • 🍽️Serving Suggestions
    • Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • 📖 Recipe
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Crock pot ribs are the perfect all-day rib recipe. Prep the baby back ribs, then position the ribs in the slow cooker for 8 hours—nothing is easier.

    This recipe is great for working small households but can work for everybody to get great predictable results when you want them. With only 5 minutes of prep, BBQ ribs become an easy weeknight dinner.

    See the other baby back recipes, like Grilled Baby Back Ribs and Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs. Or try some other pork ribs, like 30 Minute Boneless Pork Ribs, Grilled Boneless Country Style Ribs, Grilled Memphis Boneless Pork Ribs, or Bone-In Country Style Pork Ribs.

    🐖Ingredients

    • Baby back ribs—St. Louis ribs or spare ribs can be used but have less meat.
    • Dry rub
    • Liquid smoke—optional
    • BBQ sauce— use your favorite BBQ sauce, or try my Memphis BBQ Sauce.
    • Suggested Dry Rub—brown sugar, Kosher salt, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper

    👨‍🍳How to Cook Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot

    1. Trim the baby back ribs by removing the membrane and checking for bone chips.
    2. Apply a light coat of liquid smoke (optional) and dry rub.
    3. Cut in half and place upright on their side on the side of the crock pot.
    4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours to a minimum of 185°, but 195°-205° is better.
    5. Remove the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and place under a broiler or on the grill until you get the desired browning.

    ⏲️How long to cook baby back ribs in a crock pot?

    Generally, 8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, but some crock pots will run a bit hot, so it may be shorter. The real answer is "fork tender" and an internal temperature of 195° - 205°, but you may not get above 185° in some crock pots.

    When done, give them a good brush of your favorite sauce, and finish browning for a few minutes on a grill or under a broiler.

    ✔️Tips

    • To peel the membrane off the back of the ribs. I find this goes better if I use a butter knife and start at the narrow end. Loosen that end and slowly pull it off as you work to be sure you get the whole width.
    • Use a large crock pot and lean the ribs against the side of the crock pot. Arrange as you need for your crock pot and crumpled-up foil can be used to elevate the ribs.
    • If you want to do two racks of ribs, place them vertically and use some crumpled-up foil if needed. It may take an hour or two longer to cook.

    What dry rub to use for crock pot baby back ribs?

    If you have a pork rub you love, use it. Here is a version of my BBQ Dry Rub for Ribs which provides enough rub for two racks of ribs. My Memphis Dry Rub would also be an excellent choice.

    8 tablespoons Brown sugar
    3 tablespoons Kosher Salt
    1 tablespoon Chili powder
    1 teaspoon Onion powder
    1 teaspoon Garlic powder
    1 teaspoon Black pepper

    🐖What are baby back ribs

    Pork baby back ribs are cut from the upper part of the rib where the rib meets the spine and is next to and inside the loin. They are shorter than the bigger spare ribs or St. Louis ribs, which are trimmed spare ribs.

    The inside of baby back ribs contains a membrane that lines the chest cavity and needs to be removed before cooking—it will interfere with seasoning.

    graphic with location of baby back ribs- licensed from Fotolia May 16,2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modified per allow by licensed.
    Licensed from Fotolia on May 16, 2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modified as allowed by the license. Please, do not copy.

    ❓FAQs

    Should I add liquid smoke to the ribs?

    A good quality liquid smoke will add some nice flavor but is not required. Just rub a little on the ribs before adding the dry rubs.

    There are many "bad" versions of liquid smoke on the market. And the chemical-filled versions will ruin your ribs.

    I stick to Wright's brand only. If not available to you, the ingredient list on the bottle should only have smoke and water—nothing else.

    Do I need to add other things to the crock pot?

    No, nothing else is needed. You want a "dry heat" like a grill or smoker would deliver. Lots of fat/fluid is released, so they are in no danger of drying out. I set up my slow cooker as a low and slow "oven."

    Most crock pot rib recipes call for some liquid added at the beginning of cooking—a can of Coke, BBQ sauce, water, or whatever. Then there are cut-up onions or many other things. It is all wrong; we should not "parboil" ribs or cook ribs in liquid.

    Can ribs overcook in a crock pot?

    Yes, but probably will not happen—most crock pots just won't get the ribs above 210° which is where texture deteriorates. But, you should check the temperature if you are going over the recommended time.

    🍽️Serving Suggestions

    Serve with Memphis Barbecue Sauce or the BBQ sauce you love.

    This is an excellent game-day recipe, but side dishes make the meal. Here are some familiar side dishes.

    • Baked Beans
    • French Fries
    • Potato Salad
    • Macaroni Salad
    • Cole Slaw
    • Corn on the Cob
    • Cornbread or Cornbread Biscuits
    • Mac and Cheese
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect
    ↑Jump to Table of Contents

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    101's Best Recipes, Crock Pot Recipes, Pork Recipes, Pork Rib Recipes

    Have you tried this recipe, or have a question? Join the community discussion in the comments.

    Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    baby back ribs with rub ingredients

    The rub ingredients are shown, but you may use another rub if you have one.

    removing membrane from baby back ribs

    Peel the membrane off the back of the ribs. I find this goes better if I use a butter knife and start at the narrow end. Loosen that end and slowly pull it off as you work to be sure you get the whole width. Also, trim any chunks of fat on the ends and look for bone chips on the end of the ribs.

    dry rub applied to baby back ribs

    If you want to use liquid smoke, rub a small amount on the ribs before the dry rub. Use a commercial rub or make your own. Apply a good coat of the rub.

    arranging ribs in the crock pot

    Cut in half and place in a large crock pot. Position the ribs in the crock pot to keep as much of the ribs elevated as possible. Use a rolled-up piece of foil if you want.

    cooked ribs still in the crock pot

    Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Do not remove the top needlessly to check the ribs as they cook. You are creating a mini oven. So, don't let the heat out. The ribs need to be "fork-tender" and reach a minimum of 185°, but 195° to 205° is better.

    brushing sauce on baby back ribs

    Remove the ribs. At this point, you could refrigerate it for later use. Or place it on the pan and brush with BBQ sauce.

    half rack of baby back ribs on a gray plate

    Place under a broiler or on a grill until you get the desired browning — about 5 minutes.

    ↑Jump to Table of Contents

    📖 Recipe

    baby back ribs on an orange plate with fries

    Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    This Crock Pot Baby Back Rib recipe is an easy way to cook delicious and fall-off-the-bone tender BBQ pork ribs—perfect ribs with only 5 minutes of prep and a crock pot.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.45 from 45 votes
    Print Email Text CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 4 servings

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 1 rack baby back ribs - 3-4 pounds
    • ¼ cup dry rub - just a nice coating
    • liquid smoke - optional
    • 4 tablespoons BBQ

    Dry Rub Recipe if needed. Will make enough for 2 slabs of ribs

    • 8 tablespoons Brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons Kosher Salt
    • 1 tablespoon Chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Peel the membrane off the back of the ribs. I find this goes better if I use a butter knife and start at the narrow end. Loosen that end and slowly pull it off as you work to be sure you get the whole width. Also, trim any chunks of fat on the ends and look for bone chips on the end of the ribs.
      removing membrane from baby back ribs
    • If you want to use liquid smoke, rub a small amount on the ribs before the dry rub. Use a commercial rub or make your own. Apply a good coat of the rub.
      dry rub applied to baby back ribs
    • Cut in half and place in a large crock pot. Position the ribs in the crock pot to keep as much of the ribs elevated as possible. Use a rolled-up piece of foil if you want.
      arranging ribs in the crock pot
    • Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Do not remove the top needlessly to check the ribs as they cook. You are creating a mini oven. So, don't let the heat out. The ribs need to be "fork-tender" and reach a minimum of 185°, but 200° to 205° is better.
      cooked ribs still in the crock pot
    • Remove the ribs. At this point, you could refrigerate it for later use. Or place it on the pan and brush with BBQ sauce.
      brushing sauce on baby back ribs
    • Place under a broiler or on a grill until you get the desired browning — about 5 minutes.
      half rack of baby back ribs on a gray plate
    Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print. Otherwise step-by-step photos are in the post.

    Your Own Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
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    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. Be sure to remove the inner membrane.
    2. 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high are generally correct but cook to the endpoints discussed in the instructions.
    3. If cooking more than one slab, you should put them in the pot vertically. You may need to crumple up some foil to elevate the ribs. Also, they may need an hour or two longer.
    4. If you want some smoke taste, rub on a few teaspoons of liquid smoke just before rub.
    5. The absolute minimum internal temperature needs to be 185°+. But, 200° to 205° is better.
    6. Most people will want to brown them some. You can use the broiler or a grill
    7. Good refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for 3-4 months.
    Many more tips in the recipe post.
     

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories : 809 kcal (40%)Carbohydrates : 40 g (13%)Protein : 56 g (112%)Fat : 48 g (74%)Saturated Fat : 17 g (85%)Cholesterol : 196 mg (65%)Sodium : 970 mg (40%)Potassium : 982 mg (28%)Fiber : 3 g (12%)Sugar : 24 g (27%)Vitamin A : 680 IU (14%)Vitamin C : 2 mg (2%)Calcium : 285 mg (29%)Iron : 9 mg (50%)
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Main Course
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Editor's Note: Originally Published January 23, 2017. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

    Molly and Lilly sitting nicely

    More Pork Rib Recipes

    • baked baby back ribs on gray plate
      Easy Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • grilled boneless ribs on a blue plate
      Grilled Boneless Country Style Ribs
    • grilled Baby Back Ribs on black cutting board
      How to Grill Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill
    • 30 Minute Boneless Pork Ribs
    DrDan face image
    About Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

    Hi, welcome to 101 Cooking for Two. I'm DrDan, I'm a board certified physician and a lover of cooking delicious easy recipes I have perfected at home for two or larger household. As an award winning educator, let me guide you to finding the joys of cooking everyday food at home.
    Read more About DrDan | Subscribe to the Newsletters

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    1. Roberta Rossi Williams

      June 11, 2023 at 4:59 am

      What if I only want to cook 1/2 rack? How long in the crockpot?

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        June 11, 2023 at 8:15 am

        Hi Roberta,

        Welcome to the blog.

        Cooking time for a half rack will be about the same with the same endpoints.

        Dan

    2. Rayford Bachor

      July 12, 2022 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks for sharing this! I've been grilling all year and looking forward to it again this weekend! Excited to try burgers for my next family reunion.

      Reply
    3. MH

      February 03, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      Absolutely perfect recipe. I have a fussy husband used to fine NYC restaurants. He was very happy. I changed nothing in this recipe...and the instructions to remove the white part with butter knife was very helpful. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Carolyn S.

      January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      At this stage in my life, I'm all about easy. Nothing could be easier than this recipe. I love to use Penzey's Galena Street Rib and Chicken Rub.

      Reply
    5. Deborah L

      February 23, 2021 at 5:35 pm

      Dr Dan, I bought spare ribs and was trying to decide between your oven recipe and this one (which means I drag my larger crockpot up from the basement). The oven recipe has the ribs rubbed and in foil for 2 hours or overnight before cooking. This recipe does not mention putting the rub on ahead of time and letting the ribs absorb the flavors. Is there a reason why not? Or does the crockpot's long cook time do it for me?

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        February 23, 2021 at 6:01 pm

        Hi Deborah,

        With the oven recipe, it was the second week of the blog when initially written. Over time I have changed my ideas and just rub a cook works fine. There may be a slight difference but I can't detect it. The oven recipe does say to wait if you have time. It is scheduled to be written this year and I will change the wording some.

        The cooking time is different because the temperature is significantly different. Crock pots don't get much above 200 and it may take 4 hours or more to get there. I tend to do the oven recipe most often, most recently for our super bowl party (two of us) and the wife through the ribs were the best in a long time.

        Hope that helps.

        Dan

    6. Anne

      July 08, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy! I followed the directions to crumple foil in the bottom and place my two racks of baby back ribs vertically in the crock pot (cut into three pieces each). I also added a 'few dashes' of liquid smoke to my crock pot for more depth of flavor. I covered the porcelain insert with foil to 'lock in' the heat and flavors, then but the lid on it and let it go. I resisted the 'urge' to check on the ribs while they cooked.
      I put the crock pot on high for 1 hour (I have a Continental Electric Slow Cooker), then turned down for 6 hours. The ribs that came in contact with the sides of the cooker caramelized beautifully with just the rub (nice surprise). Finished them off in my air fryer convection oven with a light coat of our favorite BBQ sauce. They were 'fall off the bone' tender.
      Nice to have a great meal in the summer without heating up the house or needing to go outside to use the grill on a hot day (I'm in Louisiana...)
      My new favorite way to prepare ribs.

      Reply
    7. Marcia

      August 01, 2019 at 2:17 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was so easy!! My husband raved about the results & we both grew up in Texas, so we know good ribs. I used a dry rub & followed your instructions. Outstanding!! I will add this to our regular rotation. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        August 09, 2019 at 7:43 pm

        Hi Marcia,

        Welcome to the blog and sorry for the delayed reply.

        Glad it works well for you. This a just about applying heat correctly and I was trying to get a long slow cooking for the working folks out there.

        Thanks for the note and rating. And again, sorry for the delayed response.

        Dan

    8. Gail

      July 20, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      Just love these, no more parboiling ribs for me ever again! I used this rub and my favorite bbq sauce and they were fantastic. I do toss them on the grill for that final stage with the bbq sauce, but that's just because its summer here in Michigan, will try the broiler when its snowing lol. I am making them again today, they have only been cooking 2 hours and smell fantastic already.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        July 20, 2019 at 1:42 pm

        Hi Gail,
        Welcome to the blog.
        Definitely hot in West Michigan. I do love air conditioning.
        This is an odd little recipe that just works and is logical if you think about it. I usually do the grill to finish even in the winter but I have a natural gas grill 2 feet from the kitchen door on the deck. The broiler is fine.
        Thanks for the note.
        Dan

    9. MLB

      March 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for an easy recipe to cook ribs in the slow cooker and did I ever find it with this one! Easy and the ribs turned out falling off the bone tender and delicious. I really like that you do not cook the ribs with bbq sauce. I tend to like my ribs w/o sauce or very little. Will be using this recipe from now on.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        March 29, 2019 at 10:33 pm

        Hi MLB,
        Welcome to the blog.
        Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
        Thanks for the note and rating.
        Dan

    10. Janie

      September 09, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      Hi, I’m making this recipe right now. I like that the ribs aren’t boiling in liquid. Can’t wait to see how they turn out. Love your dog pictures.

      Reply
    11. Melissa Lyman

      June 30, 2018 at 6:40 pm

      I started using recipe a few months ago and I not allowed to prepare ribs in any other manner, per the hubby. Not only easy and tasty but the crock pot doesn't heat the house up in the summer. I give it 5 stars.

      Reply
    12. CRM

      October 17, 2017 at 4:53 am

      Followed directions exactly yet baby back pork ribs came out overcooked and dry after 8 hours on low in a calibrated All Clad slow cooker. Will try it again for less hours next time.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        October 17, 2017 at 11:48 pm

        Hi CRM,
        I cooked in an All Clad also but perhaps some difference. Cut it back an hour and see.
        Dan

    13. Melissa

      September 27, 2017 at 8:14 am

      Love this recipe, it has become a staple in our kitchen. Would give it 5 stars....if I only figure out where?
      PS, like all of your recipes, this is an easy recipe with simple ingredients that taste amazing.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        September 27, 2017 at 9:27 am

        Hi Melisssa,
        Thanks for the note. Glad you like it. I try to be easy and simple.

        Star ratings are in the "recipe card" area. Just click on the star you want.

        Dan

    14. Heather

      July 01, 2017 at 9:38 am

      My hubs isn't a huge rib fan like I am, it we both LOVE this recipe! Perfect ribs every time!

      Reply
      • DrDan

        July 01, 2017 at 9:51 am

        Hi Heather,
        Thanks for the note. Sometimes a recipe just is surprising. This is one of those.
        Dan

    15. Leslie

      January 31, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      I made these plus your cheesey broccoli chicken casserole this weekend, both 5 star recipes and my company loved them! Thank you so much

      Reply
    16. Eileen

      January 28, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      Really good with excellent directions. Made half a recipe. So hungry we didn't bother with the broiler part, just topped with barbecue sauce. Love the dogs!

      Reply
      • DrDan

        January 28, 2017 at 10:23 pm

        Thanks for the note. I thought it was better than it has any right to be.
        Dan

    17. marms

      January 23, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      I'll try this as soon as I am able to get out and about. Snow, chest cold, other stuff. But I'v giving all my stars today to the dogs picture. What beauties. They lift me.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        January 23, 2017 at 7:34 pm

        Hi Marms,
        You won't be disappointed if you like ribs. I was thinking today when finishing this post about the dog pictures. I chuckled because I think back to a nasty email I got about the dog pictures and what they were doing on a food blog. I told him they were blog mascots and they stay... I enjoy taking dog pictures and they need to go somewhere.
        Dan

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