RIBS. Grilled. Smoked. Roasted. Pulled. BBQd. They are what’s for dinner in this house if my husband is left to his own devices. Beef or Pork–he doesn’t care. If there are ribs, he will cook them and eat them.
With the weather doing funky things here in Texas (rain, cool mornings, hot temps, humidity–all in one day. Confused? Me, too.), when he wants a fix, it’s hard to plan which heat source he will be relying on to cook the ribs to perfection. I mean, when you have a beautiful morning, start the smoker, and then get doused with torrential rain and 40 mph winds, that makes finishing what you started a tad difficult.
But he knows that I always have a back up plan. Heck, I generally have back up plans for my back up plans. I was a Girl Scout. Always prepared.
The one method that I can ALWAYS rely on (well, unless the power goes out, but then there are back up plans for that, too!), is the crock pot. Now I know what you’re thinking: how can you get luscious and smoky ribs from a slow cooker? Ah, have faith, my fair readers. I promise I’m not trying to trick you. Just trust me on this one. Because when using the crock pot, at the end of the day and the beginning of dinner, we have perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone, succulent ribs.
Now what is so great about this super simple and delicious recipe is that you can use whatever type of ribs you find on sale, or may have in your freezer. You could use St. Louis or Country Style ribs or even Beef Ribs just as easily, but in this case I had Baby Backs on hand.
The very best part? They are INCREDIBLY easy. Using items that I always have in my kitchen, which include a kick-butt BBQ rub, onions, and some apple juice, and BAM! Melt-in-Your-Mouth-Ribs + Easy Prep = Happy husband. Everybody wins!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 6 peopl | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 8 hours |
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My crock pot and I have a long history of coming to the rescue when a delectable meal is needed. When I didn't know what I was doing at all in the kitchen, my crock pot would come to the rescue. This is one of those recipes that will let your crock pot do all the work, and let YOU get all of the credit. Best type of recipe EVER. And these fall apart ribs will become a go-to resident in your crock pot as well.
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- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup BBQ seasoning (see link below)
- 2 small yellow onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- salt & pepper
- Slice rack of ribs in half so that they fit into the crock pot insert. Lightly salt & pepper the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the crock pot insert. Sprinkle liberally with BBQ seasoning. Place sliced onions in insert with the ribs.
- Add the apple juice. This will infuse the pork ribs with a great sweetness while they cook.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove from crock pot and allow the ribs to rest, tented with foil, for 10 minutes to allow moisture to reabsorb into meat.
- Slice, serve, and top with your favorite BBQ sauce.
The Sweet & Smoky BBQ rub that I use here (and in lots and LOTS of other recipes) is this fantastic rub from Steven Raichlen's fabulous cookbook, The Barbeque Bible: Sauces, Rubs & Marinades.
I make this stuff in large quantities and keep it on hand for recipes like this one, or when I am stumped for what to do with a particular protein. It works on pretty much anything you have on hand, and is a crowd-pleaser like no other. I've even been known to give this spice rub as gifts for holiday gift exchanges or hostess gifts. Once you try it, you'll be sold and will be putting it on everything you make.
You know what makes an even better gift than just a small jar of this BBQ rub? Giving the whole darned cookbook! I mean, the holidays ARE fast-approaching, so why not add this to the list for your favorite BBQ fiend?
You're welcome!
Do you know how much I love baby back ribs? These make me hungry again!! Look so delicious!! I didn’t know you can make them in the crock pot. What a great recipe! Saving for later.
Yes, I did know how much you loved them, Neli. LOL I mean, if you’re a meat eater, how can you NOT love them! Let me know if you like this preparation–it’s fab, in my book. :o)
The slow cooker is one of my favorite kitchen tools! It makes such tender, delicious meat!
I have always been intimidated to make ribs at home, but now I definitely want to try it in the crock pot!
Low intimidation factor, high payoff. Win/win!
The crock pot is perhaps one of the greatist inventions known to man…so are baby back ribs! Tender and falling off the bone is where it’s at!
I could not live without mine! It does multiple duty on busy days, lazy weekend, and everything in between!
What time’s dinner. Love how tender the slow cooker will make these. Great flavor.