Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs offer everything you want in a comforting, home-cooked meal. With just a few basic pantry ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create juicy, tender ribs coated in a bold, tangy homemade sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or looking for a dish that practically cooks itself, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort.
Thanks to the slow cooker’s consistent low heat, these ribs become fall-apart tender without needing constant attention. This method is perfect for anyone wanting a hearty, satisfying main course without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s walk through how to make this delicious and approachable dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless preparation
Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Incredible texture and flavor
The ribs cook slowly and soak in the sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Simple ingredients
You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These basic ingredients come together to make a flavorful barbecue sauce that clings to each rib, infusing them with taste.
3 lbs country style pork ribs
These ribs are meatier than traditional ribs and cook beautifully until tender in a slow cooker.
¼ cup brown sugar
Adds sweetness and helps the sauce thicken as it cooks.
1 tablespoon chili powder
Provides mild heat and a smoky background flavor.
2 teaspoons salt
Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing all the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon black pepper
Adds warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
2 cups ketchup
Forms the base of the barbecue sauce, adding sweetness and acidity.
½ cup apple cider vinegar
Balances the richness with tanginess and adds depth to the sauce.
¼ cup spicy brown mustard
Offers a bold, zesty kick that sharpens the flavor.
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Brings a savory, umami element that ties the sauce together.
Optional additions:
Liquid smoke
Gives the ribs a smoky finish without needing a grill.
Sliced onion
Layer them in the bottom of the slow cooker for added sweetness and texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
This dish couldn’t be easier to make. A quick mix of the sauce and a slow cook time are all it takes to produce restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Once the ribs are tender, a brief broil gives them a sticky, caramelized finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the ribs in the slow cooker
Lay the ribs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. You can use a light spray of oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Step 2: Combine the sauce ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the ribs
Drizzle the sauce evenly over the ribs so they’re well coated. Add sliced onions on top or beneath the ribs for extra flavor if using.
Step 4: Cook on low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the ribs are tender and nearly falling apart.
Step 5: Broil for a golden finish (optional)
Once cooked, transfer the ribs carefully to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon some of the leftover sauce on top and broil for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface is caramelized and browned. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Helpful Tips
Go low and slow
Cooking at a low temperature for a longer time makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
Broil to impress
A few minutes under the broiler adds a sticky, charred finish that elevates the dish.
Taste before pouring
You can adjust the barbecue sauce to your preference by tweaking the sugar, vinegar, or mustard before adding it to the ribs.
Storage advice
Let any leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for up to two months.
Details
Flavor: Sweet, savory, and tangy with a subtle spice
Texture: Tender, juicy ribs with a sticky, caramelized finish
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
Total Time: 8 hours and 10 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Swap the meat
Boneless pork ribs, pork chops, or even a pork roast can be used in place of country style ribs.
Enhance the seasoning
Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cumin to the sauce for extra depth.
Make it spicier
If you enjoy heat, toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Different mustard options
If you don’t have spicy brown mustard, Dijon or classic yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 427 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 1849 mg |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Potassium | 879 mg |
| Vitamin A | 825 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 76 mg |
| Iron | 2.7 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are country style ribs good for slow cooking?
Absolutely. They have plenty of meat and fat, which makes them ideal for slow cooking. This method yields super tender, flavorful results.
Is it necessary to brown the ribs before cooking?
Not at all. Browning is optional. The ribs cook fully and develop deep flavor during the long cook time, but a broil at the end adds a nice touch.
What is the recommended slow cooking time?
Cook the ribs on low for 8 to 10 hours for the best tenderness and taste.
Can I finish them in the oven?
Yes. After slow cooking, place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes to develop a rich, caramelized glaze.
Storage Instructions
Cool the ribs completely before storing. Place them in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to four days. To freeze, store the ribs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with extra sauce to retain moisture.
Print
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs | Fall-Apart Tender BBQ Classic
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs come out incredibly tender, coated in a bold homemade barbecue sauce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Ingredients
3 lbs country style pork ribs
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup spicy brown mustard
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Place the pork ribs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Pour the sauce over the ribs to coat them thoroughly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
5. Move ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and spoon extra sauce over the top.
6. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are browned.
Notes
Add liquid smoke for extra flavor.
Use onions or garlic powder to enhance taste.
Pork shoulder or boneless cuts can also be used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 427
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 1849mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs make it easy to bring bold barbecue flavor to your table without the need for outdoor grilling or fancy tools. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s deeply satisfying and sure to impress. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it for your next meal and enjoy tender, flavorful ribs the easy way.