Baby back ribs in a crock pot (slow cooker) are easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep. Add a simple dry rub, let the crock pot do the work, then finish the ribs under the broiler with BBQ sauce for a sticky, delicious coating.
Quick Answer: How Long to Cook Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
- Done: Fork-tender, usually 200°–205°F
- Finish: Broil with BBQ sauce
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Featured Comment by Marcia :
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"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!!"
🩵 TL;DR — Recipe Summary
What: Baby back ribs cooked in a crock pot with a simple dry rub and BBQ sauce.
Why: Easy preparation, no grill needed, and perfect for smaller households.
How: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until fork-tender. Finish under the broiler with BBQ sauce.
🐖 Ingredients
- Baby back ribs — One rack, about 3–4 pounds. Spare ribs or St. Louis ribs also work, but may need trimming to fit.
- Dry rub — Use your favorite pork rub or the simple version in the recipe card. Other options: BBQ Dry Rub for Ribs or Memphis Dry Rub.
- BBQ sauce — For brushing on the ribs before broiling.
- Liquid smoke (optional) — Adds smoky flavor without a grill. I recommend Wright’s brand.
👨🍳 Quick Overview: Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs
1. Prep. Remove the membrane from the ribs and cut them in half. Coat with liquid smoke (optional) and rub on your favorite dry rub.
2. Load the crock pot. Stand the ribs around the sides, meat-side towards the center.
3. Cook low and slow. 7–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH until fork-tender.
4. Finish. Broil with BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized crust.
👇For full step-by-step instructions, scroll to the printable recipe card—or keep reading for tips, flavor ideas, and serving suggestions.
⏲️ How Long to Cook Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot
Baby back ribs usually take 7–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH in a crock pot, depending on thickness and how tightly they’re packed.
- Two racks or tightly packed ribs: Allow 1–2 additional hours.
- Frozen ribs: Should be fully thawed before cooking for safety.
Cook until fork-tender, usually at an internal temperature of 200°–205°F.
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🌡️ How to Tell When Crock Pot Ribs Are Done
Crock pot ribs are done when the meat is fork-tender, usually at an internal temperature of 200°–205°F.
- Fork test: The meat should pull apart easily between the bones.
- Temperature: Check the thickest meat with an instant-read thermometer without touching bone.
- Not tender yet? Continue cooking. If your crock pot won't reach the needed temperature, finish the ribs in a 300°F oven.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ribs
Serve these ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, such as Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce. Add Macaroni Salad, Cornmeal Biscuits, or Crispy Baked French Fries for an easy BBQ dinner.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cooked ribs overnight in the refrigerator. Add a little BBQ sauce, wrap tightly in foil, and heat in a 300°F oven for about 30 minutes, until heated through.
🐖 More Rib Recipes
- Grilled Baby Back Ribs — Low and slow on a gas grill.
- Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs — Tender ribs with a crispy finish.
❓ FAQs
Raw ribs should be fully thawed in the refrigerator before cooking in a crock pot for food safety.
Yes. Both work with this method, but they are larger and may need trimming to fit your crock pot. Allow extra cooking time and check for tenderness.
Optional, but it adds smoky flavor without a grill. Use a little before applying the dry rub. I recommend Wright's brand.
No. The ribs release enough juices as they cook. There's no need to add water, broth, or other liquids.
Yes, but unlikely. Cooking too long can make the meat mushy or dry. Check for fork-tender ribs rather than relying on time alone.
📖The Recipe Card
Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs
Video Slideshow
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs - 3-4 pounds
- ¼ cup dry rub - just a nice coating
- 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- liquid smoke - optional
- 8 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Remove the membrane and trim
- Peel the membrane from the back of the ribs. Trim excess fat, check for bone chips, and cut the rack in half.
Apply the rub
- If using liquid smoke, rub a little on the ribs before applying a light coating of your favorite dry rub.
Arrange in a large slow cooker and cook
- Stand the ribs around the sides of the crock pot, meat-side toward the center. Use crumpled foil underneath if needed to elevate them.
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender, usually 200°–205°F. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily.
Finish under the broiler (or grill)
- Carefully transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Broil or grill for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned and the sauce is sticky. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips:
- Two racks: Stand the ribs upright and allow 1–2 additional hours.
- Liquid smoke: Optional. A few teaspoons add smoky flavor before applying the dry rub.
- Doneness: Cook until fork-tender, usually 200°–205°F. Check with an instant-read thermometer, avoiding bone. For this recipe, use 190°F as the minimum doneness target.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked ribs for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Your Own Private Notes
To adjust the recipe size:
You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.
Nutrition Estimate (may vary)
Editor's Note: Originally published January 23, 2017. Updated with improved instructions, refreshed photos, and practical cooking tips.
Tessa Hudson says
Fantastic recipe and very good explanation
Brian says
Am putting my slab of baby back ribs which I used your dry rub and added the liquid smoke to them. My wife is at work but looking forward to good meal of ribs and all the fix'ns tonight, We will let you know what think after dinner tonight.
I picked this recipe because of the positive reviews and the simplicity!
Roberta Rossi Williams says
What if I only want to cook 1/2 rack? How long in the crockpot?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Roberta,
Welcome to the blog.
Cooking time for a half rack will be about the same with the same endpoints.
Dan