Tender, juicy, and packed with bold sweet-and-tangy flavor, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs make dinner effortless. With just 10 minutes of prep and an all-day slow simmer, they turn into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The sticky caramelized glaze finishes it beautifully under the broiler or grill for that classic BBQ taste everyone loves.
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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
These ribs are a comfort-food dream. The slow cooker does all the work while the ribs soak up a rich, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. The blend of brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar creates a balance of sweet and savory that’s simply irresistible. They’re budget-friendly, ideal for busy days, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, you can finish them under the broiler or on the grill for that smoky, caramelized BBQ crust that makes everyone reach for seconds. Once you try these, they’ll be your new slow-cooker favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Country-style pork ribs, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- These simple pantry staples create a rich, tangy-sweet sauce that tenderizes the ribs and adds deep, savory flavor as they slow cook all day.
Main Ingredients Explained
Country-style pork ribs are the star here — meaty, hearty, and ideal for slow cooking. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully. Chili powder gives warmth, while ketchup and vinegar form the tangy BBQ base. Mustard and Worcestershire sauce add depth and a hint of spice, rounding out the bold, sticky glaze that makes these ribs unforgettable.
Ingredient Substitutions and Flavor Add-Ins
Swap boneless ribs or pork shoulder if you prefer. You can also sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or paprika for extra kick. Layer sliced onions under the ribs for more depth, or add a few drops of liquid smoke for that backyard BBQ flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Prep the Ribs and Slow Cooker
Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place all the country-style ribs inside, arranging them in a single layer or slightly overlapping. For added flavor, layer some onion slices underneath.
Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This tangy-sweet mixture will coat your ribs perfectly.
Slow Cook Until Tender
Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs, ensuring every piece is covered. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and nearly falling apart. Avoid lifting the lid too often so the heat stays consistent.
Finish Under the Broiler or on the Grill
Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Broil or grill for 5–10 minutes, until the glaze starts to bubble and caramelize. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper before serving. Serve warm with your favorite sides — mashed potatoes, slaw, or cornbread.
What Are Country Style Ribs?
Country-style ribs come from the shoulder or blade end of the pork loin. They’re meatier than baby back or spare ribs and don’t usually include bones, making them perfect for slow cooking. The marbling keeps them juicy while they simmer for hours. Once cooked low and slow, they become incredibly tender with a deep, rich flavor. Because they’re hearty and affordable, they’re a fantastic choice for feeding a family or crowd without sacrificing taste.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ribs
Always cook low and slow — high heat can make the meat tough. Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain steady heat. If the sauce seems thin, you can thicken it later by simmering it in a saucepan. For extra caramelization, always finish the ribs under the broiler or on a hot grill. Also, adjust salt and spice to your liking before serving. These little touches make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezer prep, combine uncooked ribs and sauce in a freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a little extra sauce to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving for too long so the meat stays juicy and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes when slow cooking short ribs?
Overcooking on high heat or skipping the sauce can make them dry. Always use low heat and keep the sauce covering the ribs.
How to know if country style ribs are done?
They’re ready when the meat is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
How long do ribs need to be in the slow cooker?
Usually 8 to 10 hours on low for best texture and flavor.
How to cook country style ribs so they are not dry?
Cook on low with plenty of sauce and avoid removing the lid too often. Finishing under the broiler helps lock in moisture and adds flavor.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Stew
- Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs deliver everything you love about BBQ with none of the hassle. The meat falls apart, the sauce is sticky-sweet and tangy, and cleanup is simple. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or weekend get-together, this recipe never disappoints. Try it soon, save it for later, and check out more slow cooker favorites on Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Equipment
- Slow cooker Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results.
- Mixing bowl For preparing the sauce.
- Whisk or spoon To mix the sauce until smooth.
- Baking sheet For broiling or grilling the ribs.
- Foil To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds 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
- Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place all the pork ribs in the crock pot in a single layer or slightly overlapping.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours until tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon some sauce over the top and broil or grill for 5–10 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
