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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.

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 theyโve 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:
- Season Generously: Donโt 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.
- 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.
- 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, youโll get tender, flavorful ribs. The slow cooker makes the process simple, and you can enjoy a tasty meal withย minimalย effort.