This succulent Pioneer Woman Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker is prepared using baby back ribs, onions, garlic, plum preserves, and barbecue sauce. This hearty Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker recipe creates a satisfying dinner that takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Ingredients

5-6 pounds (2.3-2.7 kg) baby back ribs (approximately 2 racks, each about 2.5 to 3 pounds or 1.1-1.4 kg)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
12 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
1 cup (320 g) plum preserves
1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
1/2 cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
A few dashes of hot sauce

How To Cook Baby Back Ribs In A Slow Cooker

Prepare the Ribs: Using a knife, gently remove the membrane from the back of each rib rack. This ensures the ribs will be tender and absorb flavors better. Cut each rack in half for easier handling and fitting into the slow cooker. Next, place the ribs in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and garlic cloves on top, then season everything with the kosher salt and black pepper.
Slow Cooking: Secure the lid on your slow cooker to prevent any steam from escaping. Set the slow cooker to low and cook the ribs for 8 hours. During this time, avoid lifting the lid to keep the heat consistent, which helps the ribs cook evenly and stay juicy.
Drain the Liquid: After the ribs have cooked for 8 hours, carefully remove the lid and transfer the ribs to a plate. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker, but make sure to keep the cooked onions and garlic in the pot. These will be used to add flavor to the sauce.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the plum preserves, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and a few dashes of hot sauce until well combined. Then, return the ribs to the slow cooker and add the sauce. Using tongs, gently coat the ribs with the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
Final Touch: Set the slow used on a ‘warm’ setting for another 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken as it coats the ribs. This step enhances the ribs’ flavor and ensures they’re ready to serve with a glossy, flavorful glaze.

Recipe Tips

Prep Smartly: Before cooking, remove the thin membrane from the back of each rib rack to ensure the spices penetrate deeply and the ribs cook to tender perfection.
Layer Flavors: Introduce a layer of smokiness by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture, enhancing the deep, barbecue flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Monitor Cooking: If your slow cooker runs hot, check the ribs after 7 hours to prevent overcooking. Tender ribs should be just pulling away from the bone.
Enhance Presentation: Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped green onions and a small handful of sesame seeds over the ribs for a fresh, appealing look.

Pioneer Woman Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker

What To Serve With Slow-Cooked Baby Back Ribs

Serve your hearty Baby Back Ribs with jalapeño cheddar cornbread, apple cider vinegar coleslaw, grilled peach halves, smoked gouda mac and cheese, and garlic butter mushrooms for a complete meal.

You can also pair these with rosemary garlic roasted potatoes and a crisp arugula salad to keep things interesting.

How To Store Baby Back Ribs Leftovers

To Refrigerate: Place leftover ribs in a shallow airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place in freezer bags. Press out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.

How To Reheat Baby Back Ribs Leftovers

In The Oven: Place the ribs in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 275°F (135°C) for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of water or barbecue sauce to keep them moist.

In The Microwave: Reheat ribs covered with a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate on medium power for 3-4 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.

In The Air Fryer: For a quick reheat, place ribs in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 4 minutes. If the ribs seem dry, lightly brush them with oil or barbecue sauce before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to overcook the ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible to overcook ribs in a slow cooker, especially if cooked on a high setting or for too long. Overcooked ribs can become mushy and lose their texture. To avoid this, cook the ribs on low and check them for doneness towards the end of the recommended cooking time.

Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs if preferred. Spare ribs are larger and have more fat, which can result in a richer flavor and more tender meat after slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as they might take longer to become tender.