Hey y’all! When you want a meal that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and rich with smoky, savory flavor, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs really deliver. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe packs maximum flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
- Ultra-tender and juicy ribs that practically fall apart with every bite.
- Set-and-forget slow cooker method keeps things easy on busy days.
- Family-friendly and easily scaled up for gatherings or meal prep.
- Customizable sauce options for sweet, smoky, or spicy ribs.
- Minimal prep and clean-up, so you spend more time enjoying your meal!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- 3 pounds country style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
- Trim any excess fat from your country style ribs for a neater presentation and less grease in the sauce.
- Pat ribs dry with paper towels and season on all sides with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
- Place the seasoned country style ribs in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Pour this flavorful sauce over the ribs, making sure every piece is coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours, until the ribs are fork-tender and deeply flavorful.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- For caramelized sauce, transfer ribs (with some sauce) to a baking sheet, brush with extra barbecue sauce, and broil for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred. Otherwise, serve directly from the slow cooker, spooning over plenty of sauce. Dig in!
Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- If using boneless ribs, check for doneness around 6.5 hours on LOW, as they may cook faster.
- Use a reputable, high-quality barbecue sauce for the richest flavor. Explore popular brands at Bon Appétit.
- For even more smoky taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke or grill the ribs before slow cooking. Learn more about liquid smoke at Serious Eats.
Variations for Your Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- Asian-Style Ribs: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin sauce mixed with soy, ginger, and garlic.
- Honey Mustard Ribs: Substitute BBQ sauce with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Add 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick.
Required Equipment
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Mixing bowls for sauce and seasonings
- Tongs for turning and serving ribs
- Baking sheet (for optional broiling step)
How to Store Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- Refrigerate leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F until hot and juicy.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- Classic pairings: creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or buttered corn on the cob.
- For a complete Southern feast, serve with cornbread and pickles.
- Brighten things up with a crisp green salad or tangy baked beans.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- For irresistible caramelization, finish your ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Let ribs rest in the sauce for 10 minutes after cooking to soak up even more flavor.
- Try a homemade BBQ sauce for a custom flavor profile—see Simply Recipes’ Homemade BBQ Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
-
Q: Can I use beef country style ribs?
A: Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and adjust cook time if needed, as beef may take slightly longer. -
Q: Do I need to brown the ribs before adding to the slow cooker?
A: Browning adds extra flavor but is totally optional for this recipe—let the slow cooker do the work! -
Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs ahead of time?
A: Yes, the ribs taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (LOW), 3.5-4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 8 hours
Ingredients
- 3 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Pat the country style pork ribs dry with paper towels and season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
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2Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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3Lay the seasoned ribs over the onions. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the meat.
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4Pour chicken broth around the ribs and drizzle barbecue sauce over the top to cover the ribs evenly.
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5Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
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6Serve the ribs hot with extra sauce from the slow cooker.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
520 caloriescal
Protein:
37 gg
Fat:
32 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
24 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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