Season ribs with salt and pepper.

Pour water into slow cooker. Layer the ribs into the slow cooker. Top the ribs with onion and garlic.

Cook on High for 4 hours (or Low for 8 hours)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)

Transfer ribs to baking sheet (line baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up). Discard onion and garlic. Coat ribs with barbecue sauce.

Bake in preheated oven until the sauce caramelizes and sticks to the meat (10-15 minutes).