Crock Pot French Onion Baby Back Ribs and Gravy
Crock Pot French Onion Baby Back Ribs and Gravy
If you’re looking for a comfort food dinner that practically cooks itself, these Crock Pot French Onion Baby Back Ribs are about to become a family favorite. Slow cooked for hours with French onion soup mix, butter, brown sugar, garlic salt, and seasoned salt, the ribs become incredibly tender and packed with rich savory flavor.
But the real star of this recipe might be the gravy.
As the ribs slowly cook, the French onion seasoning blends with the pork drippings, butter, and seasonings to create an unbelievably rich gravy that’s absolutely incredible spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
The result is a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like it came from a country restaurant but requires very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs
- Incredible homemade gravy
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Perfect comfort food dinner
- Family-friendly meal
- Great for Sunday suppers
- Minimal prep work
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 packet Lipton French Onion Soup Mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
For Serving
- Prepared mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Gravy Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if desired.
Cut the ribs into sections that will fit comfortably into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Place the ribs into the crock pot.
Sprinkle evenly with:
- French onion soup mix
- brown sugar
- garlic salt
- seasoned salt
Arrange the butter slices over the ribs.
Pour the water around the sides.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
The ribs should be fork-tender and nearly falling apart.
Step 4: Remove the Ribs
Carefully transfer the ribs to a platter and tent loosely with foil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Stir the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
For a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water.
Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and cook until thickened.
The gravy will be loaded with rich French onion flavor from the soup mix, butter, and pork drippings.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
Top with a serving of baby back ribs.
Ladle the warm French onion gravy over both the ribs and potatoes.
Garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for the Best French Onion Ribs
Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar
The brown sugar balances the savory onion flavor and helps create a richer gravy.
Cook Low and Slow
Low heat gives the ribs plenty of time to become fall-apart tender.
Use Real Butter
The butter enriches the gravy and gives it incredible flavor.
Make Extra Mashed Potatoes
Trust me, you’ll want plenty of potatoes to soak up every drop of gravy.
Variations
French Onion Country Style Ribs
Substitute country-style pork ribs for baby back ribs.
French Onion Pork Chops
Use thick-cut pork chops and reduce cooking time.
Cheesy French Onion Ribs
Top the finished ribs with shredded provolone cheese.
Garlic Butter French Onion Ribs
Add several cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Jennie’s Thoughts
The first time I made these ribs, I expected the ribs to be the highlight of the meal.
I was wrong.
The gravy stole the show.
The combination of French onion soup mix, butter, pork drippings, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and brown sugar creates one of the richest gravies I’ve ever poured over mashed potatoes. It’s savory, buttery, slightly sweet, and packed with deep onion flavor.
The ribs are incredibly tender, but honestly, you’ll find yourself going back for another spoonful of mashed potatoes just to get more of that gravy.
This is comfort food at its absolute best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Spare Ribs?
Yes. Spare ribs work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I Cook on High?
You can, but LOW creates the most tender ribs.
Cook on HIGH for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Can I Make the Gravy Thicker?
Absolutely. A simple cornstarch slurry works perfectly.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes. The flavor is even better the next day.
What to Serve with French Onion Ribs
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted garlic green beans
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots
- Side salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
These Crock Pot French Onion Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and covered in the most incredible homemade gravy. Served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, they’re the ultimate comfort food dinner and a recipe your family will request again and again.
