Discover the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself: slow cooker country style ribs. This recipe transforms simple pork ribs into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with minimal effort. You will love how easy it is to achieve tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for any family dinner or gathering. Get ready to enjoy truly fall-apart pork!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
These slow cooker country style ribs are an absolute game-changer for busy cooks and beginners alike. Here’s why they will quickly become a household favorite:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work. Cleanup is a breeze too!
- Incredible Tenderness: The slow cooking process ensures your ribs are unbelievably tender, literally falling apart with just a fork.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory notes creates a delicious, irresistible taste.
- Versatile Meal: Serve these ribs with a variety of sides, making them suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need common pantry staples to create this amazing, satisfying dish.
If you’re a fan of savory, slow-cooked comfort food, you’ll also love this incredibly flavorful French Onion Pot Roast — another fall-apart meat favorite perfect for cozy dinners.
Needed Ingredients For This Country Style Ribs
Making these delightful slow cooker country style ribs starts with a few key ingredients. Gather these simple items, and you are well on your way to a fantastic meal. The combination of the dry rub and the flavorful liquid ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
For the Ribs & Dry Rub:
- 2-3 lbs boneless country style ribs (pork butt ribs)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
For the Liquid & Aromatics:
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Notes & Substitutions
- Selecting the right ingredients ensures the best results for your tender country-style ribs. Here are some helpful tips and substitutions to customize this recipe.
- For optimal tenderness, always opt for boneless pork butt ribs. These cuts contain enough fat and connective tissue to break down beautifully during slow cooking, yielding that desired fall-apart texture.
- If you do not have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even a light beer can substitute in equal measure for a unique flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level; omit it entirely for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
- If you lack liquid smoke, you can skip it, but it does add a wonderful smoky depth to your slow cooker country style ribs.
- For the dry rub, feel free to use your favorite pre-made BBQ seasoning blend in place of the individual spices for a convenient alternative.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment to prepare these delicious ribs. A few basic kitchen tools will suffice to create this fantastic meal.
- Slow cooker: A 6-quart model is recommended to comfortably fit the ribs and liquid.
- Large mixing bowl or zip-top bag: Essential for coating the ribs thoroughly with the dry rub.
- Standard measuring tools: Measuring spoons and cups ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions For The Best slow cooker country style ribs
Prepare to make incredibly tender slow cooker country style ribs with these straightforward steps. Follow these instructions carefully, and you will achieve perfectly cooked ribs every time. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome.
- Prepare the Dry Rub: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, coarse salt, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This creates your flavorful rub for the country-style ribs.
- Season the Ribs: Generously coat the boneless country-style ribs with the prepared dry rub mixture. Ensure all surfaces of the meat are thoroughly covered. For deeper flavor penetration, you can place the seasoned ribs in a zip-top bag and marinate them in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or even overnight if desired.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the sliced medium onion evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for your ribs.
- Add Ribs: Place the generously seasoned ribs directly on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack them carefully if necessary, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix Liquid Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke until fully combined. This mixture forms the delicious cooking liquid.
- Pour Liquid: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the ribs in the slow cooker. Make sure the liquid surrounds the ribs, but the ribs do not need to be fully submerged.
- Cook the Ribs: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the slow cooker country style ribs on the LOW heat setting for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking on low allows for the best tenderness and flavor development.
- Serve: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the tender country-style ribs from the slow cooker. They will be incredibly soft and might fall apart easily. Serve immediately with the delicious cooking juices or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect slow cooker country style ribs is simple with a few expert tips. These small adjustments can elevate your dish from good to absolutely incredible.
- For the best texture, opt for boneless pork butt ribs, which are ideal for slow cooking due to their fat and connective tissue content.
- Monitor your cook time closely, especially if you know your slow cooker runs hot or cool; 4-6 hours on low is a guideline.
- The ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull apart. Allow the cooked ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the slow cooker; this helps redistribute juices, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful final product.
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider lightly searing the seasoned ribs in a hot pan for a few minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile slow cooker country style ribs are incredibly flexible, whether you’re serving them for dinner, storing leftovers, or experimenting with new flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairings: Serve your tender ribs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy cornbread, or a comforting bowl of mac & cheese.
- Flavorful Drizzle: Spoon some of the rich, savory cooking liquid directly over the ribs when serving to enhance their taste.
- BBQ Sauce: Offer a variety of your favorite BBQ sauces on the side for guests to customize their ribs.
- Side Salads & Veggies: Pair with a fresh coleslaw, green salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
Looking for another slow cooker classic to add to your rotation? These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are packed with savory flavor and pair beautifully with mashed potatoes too.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover country-style ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled ribs in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat ribs gently in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) with a splash of broth or water, covered with foil, until warmed through. This method helps maintain moisture.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts until hot, adding a little liquid if needed.
Variations
- Spice Rub Blends: Experiment with different spice rubs, such as a smoky chipotle rub for a kick or a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon blend.
- Sweet or Tangy BBQ Sauce: Instead of just serving sauce on the side, you can brush your favorite sweet or tangy BBQ sauce onto the ribs during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking for a glaze.
- Add Root Vegetables: Include chopped carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes directly into the slow cooker along with the onions and ribs for a complete one-pot meal.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying delicious slow cooker country style ribs can be part of a balanced diet. Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients provided and a serving size of approximately 6 ounces of cooked meat without sauce.
Nutritional values can vary significantly based on exact portion sizes, specific brands of ingredients, and any additional sauces or accompaniments.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 35-45 g |
| Total Fat | 30-40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-15 g |
| Cholesterol | 100-150 mg |
| Sodium | 600-800 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5-10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sugars | 3-5 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut for country-style ribs?
The best cut is typically boneless pork butt ribs, which come from the shoulder. They have good marbling and connective tissue, perfect for slow cooking into tender perfection.
Can I cook these ribs on high heat?
While possible, cooking on low heat for a longer duration is highly recommended. High heat might dry out the ribs and won’t yield the same fall-apart tenderness.
Can I add BBQ sauce directly to the slow cooker?
You certainly can, especially towards the end of the cooking cycle. Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30-60 minutes to let it warm through and coat the ribs.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
Can I use frozen country-style ribs?
It’s best to thaw frozen ribs completely in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can affect texture and cooking time, potentially leading to uneven results.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the most tender and flavorful slow cooker country style ribs right in your own kitchen. This recipe offers incredible taste with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike.
Enjoy the amazing aroma and the pure satisfaction of a hearty, homemade meal. Go ahead, give this recipe a try tonight, and prepare to impress your family and friends! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment and rating.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, salt, onion powder, mustard, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne in a bowl to make a dry rub.
- Rub the spice mix generously over the ribs. For deeper flavor, marinate in a bag in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight.
- Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer sliced onions on the bottom.
- Place seasoned ribs over the onions in a single layer or carefully stacked if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour over ribs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or until ribs are fork-tender.
- Remove ribs gently, rest 5–10 minutes, and serve with juices or BBQ sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Swap pork ribs for boneless turkey thighs for an alcohol-free, pork-free alternative. Cooking time may vary slightly.
- Liquid smoke adds depth but can be omitted.
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