The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting in this slow-cooker baby back ribs recipe, cooking the ribs until the meat is meltingly tender. But the broiler makes the magic happen, crisping them up and giving them a sticky-sweet finish.
Instructions
1
Make the rib rub
2
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder and pepper. Editor's Tip: You can make the rib rub seasoning blend ahead of time. Store it in a covered container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
3
Prepare the ribs
4
Cut the ribs into serving-size pieces. Rub each piece with the seasoning mixture.
5
Slow-cook the ribs
6
Pour the water into a 6-quart slow cooker, then add the ribs. Cook the ribs, covered, on low until meat is tender, five to six hours.
7
Broil the ribs
8
Preheat the broiler. Transfer the ribs, bone-side down, to a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Brush the ribs with the barbecue sauce. Broil them 4 to 5 inches from the heat until they've browned, two to three minutes. Serve them with additional sauce or enjoy them as-is.
