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These slow-cooked ribs are guaranteed to turn out perfect every time! Cooking them in a slow cooker ensures they become tender and juicy while finishing them in the oven with barbecue sauce gives them a delicious caramelized glaze. This recipe is ideal for busy days since the slow cooker does most of the work.

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The Best Slow Cooker Ribs for a Flavor-Packed Meal

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds baby back ribs, trimmed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ยฝ cup water
  • ยฝ onion, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Gather all the ingredients before starting.
  • Trim any excess fat from the ribs if needed.
  • Season the ribs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Slow Cook the Ribs

  • Pour ยฝ cup of water into the slow cooker to create steam and moisten the ribs while cooking.
  • Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker.
  • Scatter sliced onion and minced garlic over the ribs for extra flavor.
  • Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 hours (for maximum tenderness) or High for 4 hours (if you’re short on time).

3. Preheat the Oven

  • About 15 minutes before the slow cooking time is up, preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  • This step will help caramelize the barbecue sauce and give the ribs a slightly crispy texture.

4. Finish in the Oven

  • Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to a baking sheet.
  • Discard the onion and garlic, as theyโ€™ve already infused their flavor.
  • Generously brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, making sure they are well coated.

5. Bake the Ribs

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce thickens and caramelizes, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.

6. Serve and Enjoy.

  • Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
  • These ribs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a hassle-free meal with minimal effort!

Three tips for perfect slow cooker baby back ribs:

  1. Season Generously: Donโ€™t be afraid to season the ribs well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the meat as it cooks low and slow.
  2. Use a BBQ Sauce with Good Balance: Choose a BBQ sauce with the right balance of sweetness and tanginess. This will caramelize nicely in the oven, giving the ribs a delicious, sticky glaze.
  3. Let the Ribs Rest After Baking: Once out of the oven, let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the juices redistribute, making the ribs extra tender and juicy.

Conclusion:

  • slow cooker baby back ribs are easy to make and taste delicious. With good seasoning and a great BBQ sauce, youโ€™ll get tender, flavorful ribs. The slow cooker makes the process simple, and you can enjoy a tasty meal withย minimalย effort.