Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
If you want an easy way to cook country-style ribs, this is your recipe! Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are melt-in-your mouth tender, and the perfect hands-off recipe for busy days.
Now this is a stick-to-your-ribs meal! Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are made with bone-in pork, a few pantry staples, and plenty of bbq sauce.
They’re tender and juicy, and the crockpot does nearly all of the work!
I love these for busy weekends, when I want a special meal but I don’t have much time to make one (my Crockpot Pork Chops are another favorite!).
Along with some Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Garlic Broccoli, it’s a hearty dinner that’s special enough for guests, but a delightful dinner for just your family, too.
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What are country style ribs?
Despite their name, country style ribs are not the actual ribs, but instead are from the shoulder area. They resemble ribs in taste, texture, and look, which is where the “ribs” moniker came from.
You can purchase either bone-in or boneless country style ribs. For this recipe, I used bone-in. But either one will work.
Why cook country style ribs in the slow cooker?
Country style ribs are best for low and slow cooking, which is exactly what a slow cooker does. When cooked at a low heat for a long time, they become very tender and start to fall off the bone.
Ingredients
- You can use either boneless or bone-in country style ribs for this. I used bone-in. These are NOT the same as St. Louis ribs or baby back ribs.
- Paprika and salt season the ribs
- Onion, apple cider vinegar, and worcestershire sauce add flavor to the bbq sauce.
How to make bone-in country style ribs in the slow cooker
Start by seasoning the ribs with paprika and salt. Get the seasoning on both sides!
Place the ribs on a sheet pan, and roast at 500°F for 8–10 minutes. You need this high heat to get the browning (a.k.a. flavor!) on the ribs.
(This is after flipping the ribs—the browning occurs on the bottom.)
While the ribs are browning, place the bbq sauce, onion, worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in the crockpot.
Tip: use your favorite brand/variety of bbq sauce here. I like Stubb’s hickory bourbon.
Add the ribs, and stir to coat. Cook on high for 2 hours, then turn to low and cook for another 3–4 hours. The ribs should be very tender and starting to fall off the bone.
Can I make country style ribs ahead of time?
Country style ribs can easily be made in advance and reheated later. After cooking them, let cool and refrigerate. Reheat them either in the crockpot, the oven, or the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Country style ribs should be cooked for 2 hours on high, then turn the crockpot to low and cook for an additional 3–4 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
Yes! Sear them in a large skillet (you will need to do several batches) in hot oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
Either variety works for slow cooking. I like bone-in ribs better, since the bones keep them a little more moist.
The ribs should be fork-tender and pull away from the bone slightly.
With a fork! You can also pick up the bone-in version like regular ribs.
What to serve with country style ribs
Here are some side dish ideas!
- Rice or buttered noodles
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Mac & cheese
- Dinner rolls or Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits
- Roasted Garlic Broccoli
- A leafy green salad (love this Strawberry Spinach Salad)
- Roasted asparagus
- Old Fashioned Zucchini Casserole
Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 3–3½ lbs country-style pork ribs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 bottle (18 oz) bbq sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 small onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then season on all sides with the salt and paprika. Place the ribs on a sheet pan. Roast for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is browned on the bottom.
- Meanwhile, place the bbq sauce, water, worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chopped onion in a slow cooker. Add the browned ribs, and stir to coat.
- Cook on high for 2 hours, then turn the slow cooker to low and cook for 3–4 hours. The ribs are done when they are tender and starting to fall off the bone.
- You can also cook them on low for 8 hours.
so what do you do with the paprika
Sprinkle it on the ribs with the salt. I updated the recipe. Thank you for catching that!
Wow! These are so good. The meat just fell off the bone and I loved the great BBQ flavor!