5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Ingredients

 The Star: 1 rack pork baby back ribs (approx. 2.5 to 3 lbs)

 The 4 Simple Flavor Additions:

 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce

 ¼ cup brown sugar (for that rich, caramelized sweetness)

 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (cuts through the richness and tenderizes the meat)

 1 tbsp garlic powder (or a standard pork dry rub)

🥣 Directions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season

Rub the garlic powder (along with a pinch of salt and pepper if you like) evenly over both sides of the meat.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Layer into the Slow Cooker

Pour a thin layer of the sauce mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the rib portions inside—standing them up on their ends with the meat side facing the walls of the slow cooker helps them cook more evenly, just like the layered style shown in the photo. Pour the remaining sauce generously over the top of the ribs.

Step 5: Low and Slow

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours (or on HIGH for 4 hours, though LOW yields the most tender results).

Step 6: Optional Crispy Finish

Once the timer is up, the ribs will be melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you love a caramelized, sticky crust, carefully transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush them with a little extra sauce from the pot, and pop them under your oven’s Broil setting for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and slightly charred. Serve immediately!