Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs slow-cooked in a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce with just the right touch of heat—effortless and irresistible!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:
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High: 4–5 hours
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Low: 7–9 hours
Total Time: Up to 9 hours
Yield: 8 servings (about ½ pound ribs per serving)
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Comfort Food, Crowd-Pleaser
📝 Ingredients
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2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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4 to 5 pounds baby back ribs
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
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In a large zip-top bag, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Seal the bag and knead gently to mix everything together.
Step 2: Marinate the Ribs
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Open the bag and add the ribs.
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Seal again and shake to fully coat the ribs in the sauce mixture.
Step 3: Prep the Crockpot
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Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick spray.
Step 4: Cook the Ribs
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Place the ribs in the crockpot.
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Pour ¾ of the sauce from the bag over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook
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Cook on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 7–9 hours, depending on your preferred tenderness.
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4–5 hours (high) = fall-off-the-bone meat.
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7 hours (low) = super soft but stays on the bone.
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9 hours (low) = fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Step 6: Serve
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Serve ribs hot with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Rib prep: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs before marinating for extra tenderness.
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Spicy option: Increase cayenne or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
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Crispier finish: For a caramelized finish, broil the ribs for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: sauce ingredients in the bag → ribs coated in sauce → ribs placed in crockpot → cooked ribs served with extra sauce)
Pro Tip: Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes after cooking for easier slicing and juicier meat!
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Barbecue sauce: Sweet and smoky base flavor.
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Brown sugar & Worcestershire: Deepens sweetness and adds umami.
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Garlic & cayenne: Add complexity and a hint of heat.
Substitutions:
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Use sugar-free barbecue sauce to lower W-W points.
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Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar if preferred.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Ideas:
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Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier sauce.
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Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted vegetables.
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Great with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or microwave gently.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~350 kcal | Protein: ~28g | Carbs: ~15g | Fat: ~20g
W-W Points (per serving, based on 8 servings using regular BBQ sauce):
➡️ 10 Points
➡️ 8 Points if using sugar-free BBQ sauce and trimming extra fat from the ribs before cooking.
Note: W-W Points can vary depending on the BBQ sauce brand and exact portion sizes. For best results, input your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Soy (Worcestershire sauce may contain soy; check label)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use country-style ribs instead of baby back?
A: Yes, just adjust cooking time slightly as thicker ribs may need more time.
Q: Can I make these in the oven?
A: Definitely! Bake covered at 300°F for about 3 hours, then uncover and broil to caramelize the sauce.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes—marinate the ribs overnight and cook the next day for even deeper flavor.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This slow cooker ribs recipe came from the desire for restaurant-style ribs without the grill or smoker. By using simple pantry ingredients and the convenience of the crockpot, it’s become a family favorite for everything from game days to casual summer dinners!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried these ribs? Did you go spicy or sweet? Share your version or tag me on social—I’d love to see your creations!