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There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of country style ribs that have been slow cooking all day. I’ll never forget the first time I made these crock pot country style ribs for my family the looks on their faces when those tender, juicy pieces of meat literally fell off the bone and melted in their mouths. It was a game changer in our household!
After years of experimenting and countless Sunday dinners, I’ve perfected my country style ribs crock pot recipe. These aren’t your ordinary tough, chewy ribs that require a marathon of gnawing. Nope! These country style ribs are fork-tender, deeply flavorful, and embarrassingly simple to prepare.
The beauty of this country style ribs crock pot recipe lies in its simplicity and hands-off approach. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Whether you’re a busy parent, working professional, or just someone who appreciates delicious, fuss free meals, this recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.
Why This Country Style Ribs Crock Pot Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Fall Off The Bone Tender: These ribs don’t just fall off the bone they practically melt before your fork even touches them!
- Set It and Forget It Convenience: Just 15 minutes of prep, then your crock pot works its magic while you live your life
- Budget Friendly: Country style ribs are typically more affordable than baby back or spare ribs
- Deeply Flavorful: The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the delicious seasonings
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with countless sides from mac and cheese to coleslaw
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week
- Great for Entertaining: Impressive results with minimal effort perfect for gatherings
- Kid Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist these tender, saucy ribs
Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 lbs Country Style Pork Ribs | The star of the show these “ribs” are actually cut from the shoulder area and have excellent marbling | Boneless country style ribs work too but cooking time may vary slightly |
| 1 cup BBQ Sauce | Creates that sticky, flavorful coating | Make your own or use any store bought variety sweet, spicy, or smoky |
| ¼ cup Brown Sugar | Adds caramelization and balances the acidity | Coconut sugar or honey (use 3 tbsp) |
| 3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar | Tenderizes the meat and adds brightness | White vinegar or lemon juice |
| 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce | Adds depth and umami flavor | Soy sauce or coconut aminos for gluten free |
| 1 tbsp Paprika | Adds color and mild smoky flavor | Smoked paprika for extra smokiness |
| 1 tbsp Garlic Powder | Infuses the meat with garlic flavor | 3 fresh minced garlic cloves |
| 1 tsp Onion Powder | Adds savory depth | ¼ cup finely diced fresh onion |
| 1 tsp Black Pepper | Provides subtle heat | White pepper or omit if sensitive to spice |
| 1 tsp Salt | Enhances all other flavors | Seasoned salt for extra flavor |
| ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional) | Adds a kick of heat | Crushed red pepper flakes or omit for no spice |
| ½ cup Chicken Broth | Creates steam for moist cooking environment | Beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch |
Step by Step Instructions with Expert Tips
Prepare the Country Style Ribs
Trim excess fat: Using a sharp knife, trim any excessive fat from the ribs. Leave some fat on, as it renders down and adds flavor during cooking.Pro tip: Don’t remove all the fat! That marbling is what makes these ribs so juicy and flavorful after slow cooking.
Pat dry the ribs: Using paper towels, pat the country style ribs completely dry. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes better browning.
Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). Rub this spice mixture generously all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat.Trouble shooter: If the spice rub isn’t sticking well, you can drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on the ribs first.
Brown the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet: Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
Sear the ribs: Once hot, add the seasoned ribs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust.Pro tip: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam rather than sear the meat.Why this matters: This extra step creates the Maillard reaction, developing deep flavors that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Layer the bottom: Place sliced onions at the bottom of your crock pot if desired. This creates a flavor base and prevents ribs from sticking.
Add liquid: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Mix sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Arrange the ribs: Place the browned country style ribs into your slow cooker, meaty side facing outward and bone side toward the center if possible.Pro tip: Standing the ribs up rather than laying them flat allows for more even cooking and better sauce distribution.
Add the sauce: Pour about half of your sauce mixture over the ribs, reserving the rest for later.
Set cooking time: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.The secret to success: LOW and SLOW is always better for country style ribs in a crock pot. The longer, gentler cooking breaks down the tough connective tissues better.
Check tenderness: The ribs are done when they’re tender enough that you can easily pull the meat with a fork. If they’re not quite there yet, give them another 30-60 minutes.
Finish and Serve
Carefully remove ribs: Using tongs, gently transfer the tender country style ribs to a serving platter. They’ll be very delicate at this point!
Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced.Alternative method : Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the crock pot. Turn to HIGH for 15 minutes until thickened.
Add remaining sauce: Brush the reserved BBQ sauce mixture onto the ribs.
Optional broiling step: For caramelized, sticky ribs, place them on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and serve: Let the country style ribs rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra sauce on the side.
Storage, Make Ahead & Freezing Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover country style ribs in an airtight container with some of the sauce for moisture. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat Properly: The best way to reheat these ribs is to place them in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. This preserves their moisture and tenderness. Microwaving works in a pinch (1-2 minutes), but cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Freeze With Confidence: These country style ribs freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags with some sauce. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Thawing Method: Thaw frozen ribs overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare everything the night before! Season the ribs, mix the sauce, and store separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, just throw it all in the crock pot and turn it on.
Leftover Transformation: Shred leftover rib meat to make incredible pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or add to baked beans for an amazing flavor boost.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations
Sweet and Spicy: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and increase the cayenne to 1 teaspoon for a perfect balance of sweet heat
Asian-Inspired: Substitute the BBQ sauce for a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of five-spice powder
Carolina Style: Replace half the BBQ sauce with yellow mustard and add extra vinegar and a touch of honey
Coffee-Rubbed: Add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee to your dry rub for incredibly rich, complex flavor
Maple Bourbon: Add ¼ cup bourbon and ⅓ cup maple syrup to your sauce mixture for sophisticated sweetness
Perfect Side Dishes
- Classic coleslaw the cool, crisp texture perfectly complements the tender, warm ribs
- Creamy mac and cheese because the ultimate comfort food deserves an equally comforting side
- Cornbread ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce
- Baked beans double the protein and complementary flavors
- Potato salad the creamy, cool counterpoint to rich, savory ribs
- Grilled corn on the cob adds a sweet, summery touch
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette lightens up the meal with fresh greens
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 32g (12g saturated) |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Potassium | 10% DV |
Nutritional values are based on a serving size of approximately 8 oz of cooked country style ribs with sauce. Values calculated using the USDA Food Database and may vary slightly depending on specific brands and exact portion sizes.
This recipe is naturally gluten free (when using GF Worcestershire sauce) and low carb friendly.
7 Expert Tips for Perfect Country Style Ribs in a Crock Pot
Choose the right cut: Despite their name, country style ribs aren’t actually ribs at all! They come from the shoulder area of the pig. Look for pieces with good marbling throughout that fat is what makes them succulent after slow cooking.
Don’t skip the sear: I spent years making these without browning first, but trust me on this one – taking those extra 10 minutes to sear the meat creates a depth of flavor that simply can’t be achieved otherwise. When I started doing this, my husband immediately noticed the difference!
Keep the lid on: Every time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time by letting heat escape. I learned this the hard way when hosting a dinner party and constantly checking, only to have undercooked ribs when guests arrived!
The fork test: The absolute best way to check doneness is to twist a fork in the meat. It should turn easily with almost no resistance. If you feel any toughness, keep cooking even an extra hour won’t hurt.
Rest before serving: Just like with any meat, letting these country style ribs rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into them.
Save that liquid gold: The cooking liquid from the crock pot is packed with flavor. Strain it, let it cool slightly, and skim off excess fat. This makes an incredible base for soups or sauces.
Layer your flavors: The triple application of flavor (dry rub, cooking with sauce, final sauce glaze) ensures these ribs have depth of flavor in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you slow cook country ribs in a crock pot?
To slow cook country style ribs in a crock pot, season the ribs with a dry rub, then place them in the slow cooker with some liquid (broth or water) and sauce. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until they’re fall apart tender. I recommend adding only half the sauce during cooking and brushing the rest on just before serving for the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Are ribs better in the crockpot or oven?
Both methods have their merits! Crockpot ribs are more hands off and practically foolproof for achieving fall off the bone tenderness. They’re perfect for busy days when you can’t monitor the oven. Oven baked ribs give you better caramelization and a more concentrated flavor, but require more attention. I personally prefer the crock pot for country style ribs specifically because their thickness benefits from the slow, moist cooking environment. For baby backs, I often use the oven. Best of both worlds? Use the crock pot for cooking and finish them under the broiler for a few minutes!
Do country style ribs get more tender the longer they cook?
Yes, to a point! Country style ribs benefit from long, slow cooking that breaks down the tough collagen into silky gelatin. However, there is a sweet spot around 7-8 hours on LOW is usually perfect. Cook them too long (10+ hours) and they can eventually dry out. I once fell asleep and left mine cooking overnight (about 12 hours total), and while they were still tasty, they had started to lose some moisture. When they reach the stage where a fork twists easily in the meat with no resistance, they’re done!
Should ribs be covered in liquid in slow cooker?
No, country style ribs shouldn’t be completely submerged in liquid when cooking in a slow cooker. You only need about ½ to 1 cup of liquid at the bottom of the crock pot. The ribs will release their own juices as they cook, and too much liquid can prevent proper caramelization and flavor concentration. I’ve tried both methods, and partially submerged ribs develop much better flavor and texture than fully covered ones, which can taste somewhat boiled rather than properly slow cooked.
Can you overcook ribs in a crock pot?
Yes, you can overcook country style ribs in a crock pot, although it’s harder to do than with most meats. Signs of overcooked ribs include meat that’s falling apart so much it’s mushy, or paradoxically, meat that’s started to dry out. For the perfect texture, aim for meat that yields easily to a fork but still has some integrity. I typically find 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH hits this sweet spot perfectly with most crock pots.
Are ribs better in slow cooker or pressure cooker?
It depends on your priorities! Pressure cookers (like Instant Pots) make incredibly tender country style ribs in just 35-45 minutes versus 7-8 hours in a slow cooker an absolute lifesaver when you forget to plan ahead. However, slow cookers allow more flavor development during the extended cooking process. I’ve made them both ways dozens of times, and while pressure cooker ribs are excellent, I find the depth of flavor from slow cooking is noticeably better if you have the time. For the best of both worlds, try using the pressure cooker when short on time, then finish with a quick broil to add caramelization.
Conclusion
There you have it the ultimate guide to making mouthwatering, fall off the bone country style ribs in your crock pot! This recipe transforms an affordable cut of meat into a meal that tastes like you spent all day tending to it (even though your slow cooker did all the work).
What I love most about these country style ribs is how versatile they are. They’re simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, the leftovers if you have any are just as delicious the next day.
The slow cooker truly is the secret weapon for achieving that perfect tender texture that makes country style ribs so irresistible. The low, slow cooking method breaks down all the tough connective tissue, resulting in meat that melts in your mouth.
Have you tried making country style ribs in your crock pot before? What’s your favorite sauce or seasoning combination? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know how it turned out.
Looking for more slow cooker comfort food recipes? Check out my Tender Short Ribs in Crock Pot, Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or my famous all day Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken Recipe!
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