Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs with Root Beer BBQ Sauce
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs with Root Beer BBQ Sauce
Description
This recipe begins by rubbing baby back ribs liberally with a coarse spice blend of kosher salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika after removing the membrane from the bone side. The ribs are placed atop sliced onion and root beer in a slow cooker and cooked on low or high until tender.
The BBQ sauce is prepared separately by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, then simmering with root beer until reduced by half. Barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chipotle in adobo, and Worcestershire sauce are whisked in, creating a complex sauce with sweetness, acidity, and mild smokiness.
The slow cooking method ensures the ribs become tender while absorbing flavors from the root beer and onions. The sauce complements the meat with a glossy coating and a balance of sweet and smoky notes.
Membrane removal is crucial for tenderness. Quality root beer affects flavor quality; choose one you enjoy drinking. The ribs may need cutting to fit the slow cooker shape, and stacking is possible with smaller pieces depending on your cooker size.
Ingredients
Ribs and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt coarse
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs trimmed (see note)
- 1 large yellow onion sliced, or white onion
- ½ cup root beer see note
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, fresh
- 1 cup root beer
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar light or dark, packed
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce leave out the seeds for less heat, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the ribs, in a small bowl stir together the salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder and paprika. Make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (simple how-to here). Spread the spice mixture over the meaty side of the ribs and rub gently until coated.
- Add the sliced onion and 1/2 cup root beer to the slow cooker (see note above for sizes/details) and place the ribs on top, cutting the racks of ribs to fit if needed. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
- While the ribs cook, make the sauce by heating a saucepan over medium heat with the 1 tablespoon oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook on medium to medium-low, stirring often, until the onions soften and turn translucent, 7-8 minutes. Add the root beer and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced chipotles and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper - start with 1/4 teaspoon each and add more to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly and then carefully process in a blender (or use a handheld immersion blender) until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce if making in advance.
- When the ribs have finished cooking, preheat the oven broiler and position an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the heating element. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Carefully lift the ribs from the slow cooker using a large, flat spatula and tongs (they will be very, very tender - like, fall-apart tender) and place them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush liberally with the prepared BBQ sauce and broil until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes, 2-3 minutes (watch closely so it doesn't burn).
- Serve ribs with the remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- Remove the membrane from the back of ribs using a paper towel for grip to ensure tender texture.
- Choose a root beer brand you enjoy, as it impacts the flavor; A&W is recommended here.
- Cut ribs to fit your slow cooker; stack smaller pieces if using a round slow cooker.
- Homemade BBQ sauce adds depth, but Sweet Baby Ray's is a good store-bought alternative.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 507kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 3363mg | 140% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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