Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
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Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are pure comfort food: tender, saucy pork with very little hands-on work. I love how this simple dinner fills the kitchen with a cozy barbecue aroma while the slow cooker does most of the work.
The recipe starts with 4 pounds of country style pork ribs, which may be bone-in or boneless pork shoulder, plus 1 cup of barbecue sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. As the pork cooks, the sauce adds a sweet, tangy finish that pairs well with the savory, well-seasoned meat.
Best of all, prep takes just 5 minutes. Season the ribs, cook them on LOW, then drain the cooking liquid at the 4-hour mark and coat the pork with barbecue sauce. After that, let the ribs cook until they are very tender, checking their temperature and texture as they finish. Plan on about 6 hours total, with a little extra time if needed.
These slow cooker country style ribs are a welcome choice for chilly evenings, family dinners, and casual get-togethers. Serve them straight from the cooker with a few simple sides, or bring them to a potluck for an easy, satisfying main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
- Easy prep: Season the pork and let the slow cooker handle the long cooking time.
- Simple ingredients: You need ribs, barbecue sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Comfort-food flavor: The pork turns tender and savory, while the sauce brings a tangy, sweet finish.
- Flexible timing: Check the meat as it cooks and give it more time in short increments if it is not tender yet.
- Great for sharing: Four pounds of ribs make a hearty meal for four, especially with filling sides.
Pork Ribs Tips
Country style pork ribs are meaty cuts that may be sold bone-in or boneless. For this recipe, choose pieces of similar size so they cook at a more even pace. If you use boneless pork shoulder pieces, keep them in large portions rather than cutting them into small cubes. Also, check the package label and choose pork that looks fresh, with a good balance of meat and fat. A little fat helps keep the ribs moist as they cook. If the pieces are crowded in your slow cooker, arrange them in an even layer or use a larger cooker rather than packing them tightly.
Options for Substitutions
- Choose another barbecue sauce: Use a smoky, spicy, sweet, or vinegar-forward sauce to change the flavor.
- Use a no-sugar-added sauce: This can reduce added sugar, though it may taste less sweet and brown differently.
- Try a different pepper: Use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a sharper or warmer bite.
- Add garlic powder: Sprinkle a little over the ribs with the salt and black pepper for a savory note.
- Use smoked paprika: Add a small amount with the seasonings for gentle smoky flavor.
- Adjust the salt: If your barbecue sauce is salty, start with less salt and taste the finished dish before adding more.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Do not fill the slow cooker with extra water or broth. The ribs release liquid as they cook, and too much added liquid can dilute the barbecue flavor. At the 4-hour mark, carefully remove the ribs and pour off the cooking liquid as directed. Use oven mitts and take care with the hot pot and liquid.
Avoid opening the lid often during the first few hours. Each time you lift it, heat escapes and can slow the cooking process. Instead, wait until the planned 4-hour point to drain the liquid and add the sauce.
Do not rely on the clock alone to decide when the pork is ready. The recipe gives a cooking estimate, but rib size and slow cooker models vary. Check with a digital thermometer and look for meat that is very tender and easy to pull apart. If it has not reached 160°F or is not tender, cook it longer in 15-minute increments. For food safety, use temperature as a minimum check, not as a guarantee of tenderness.
Finally, do not put all the barbecue sauce on too early. The recipe divides the sauce between the two sides after draining the liquid. This helps coat the ribs rather than thin the sauce with cooking juices. If you want a saucier finish, brush on extra sauce just before serving.
What to Serve With Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs?
Pair these tender slow cooker country style ribs with classic sides that balance their rich, tangy sauce. Creamy coleslaw adds a cool crunch, while cornbread is handy for soaking up extra sauce. You could also serve baked beans for a hearty plate or roasted green beans for a lighter vegetable side. Choose two or three, depending on whether you are serving a family dinner or a larger gathering.
Storage Instructions
Store: Let leftover ribs cool, then place them in a covered airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Keep the ribs with some sauce so they stay moist.
Freeze: Freeze the cooled ribs in a freezer-safe container or tightly sealed bag for up to 6 months. For easier portions, divide them into meal-size servings before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating when possible.
Reheat: On the stovetop, place the ribs and a spoonful of sauce in a covered skillet over low heat. Warm gently, turning the meat now and then, until it is hot throughout. In the microwave, put a serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a little sauce, and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts, turning or stirring between intervals so the meat warms evenly. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the pork.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 680 kcal per serving
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 2,400-3,200 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 180-260 g
- Fat: Approximately 140-230 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-90 g
These are broad estimates for the full recipe. Actual values vary based on the cut and fat content of the pork, the amount of sauce that remains on the ribs, and the barbecue sauce brand. The supplied estimate of 680 kcal is per serving.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs country style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless pork shoulder)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided in half for basting
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Ribs
Arrange the country style pork ribs in the slow cooker. Season them evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep the pieces in a single layer if possible, so they cook more evenly.
Step 2: Begin Slow Cooking
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on LOW. At the 4-hour mark, carefully lift the ribs out of the pot and set them aside briefly. Then pour off the cooking liquid, taking care not to spill it.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Sauce
Brush one side of the ribs with half of the barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the slow cooker with the coated side facing down. This lets the sauce cling to the meat rather than sitting in the cooking liquid.
Step 4: Sauce the Other Side and Continue Cooking
Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the other side of the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for 1 to 2 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to pull apart. Since slow cookers and rib sizes vary, check the meat as it finishes.
Step 5: Check Temperature and Tenderness
Around the 5-hour mark, check the thickest part of the pork with a digital thermometer. The pork should reach 160°F. If it has reached that temperature, transfer the ribs to a serving dish and check whether they are tender enough for you. If they have not reached the temperature or are still firm, return them to the cooker and check again in 15-minute increments.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Brush the ribs with extra barbecue sauce if you like, then serve them warm with your favorite sides. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months.
These Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs bring together easy prep, everyday ingredients, and a rich barbecue finish. Season the pork, let it cook slowly, and check both its temperature and tenderness before serving. Try the recipe for your next family dinner, then share how it turned out and which sides you served with it.
Tender Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
Method
- Arrange the country style pork ribs in the slow cooker. Season them evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, keeping the pieces in a single layer if possible.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on LOW. At the 4-hour mark, carefully lift the ribs out of the pot and set them aside briefly. Then pour off the cooking liquid.
- Brush one side of the ribs with half of the barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the slow cooker with the coated side facing down.
- Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the other side of the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for 1 to 2 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to pull apart.
- Around the 5-hour mark, check the thickest part of the pork with a digital thermometer. The pork should reach 160°F. If it has reached that temperature, transfer the ribs to a serving dish.
- If the ribs have not reached the temperature or are still firm, return them to the cooker and check again in 15-minute increments.
- Brush the ribs with extra barbecue sauce if you like. Serve them warm with your favorite sides.
