Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
Imagine sitting down to a meal where tender, juicy pork ribs melt in your mouth. That’s what you get with Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.
We combine simple ingredients like barbecue sauce, garlic, and smoked paprika, and these ribs create a rich flavor.
This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner, with plenty of flexibility for serving and enjoying leftovers.
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
- Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.
- Uses pantry staples for a simple shopping list.
- Easy slow cooker meal
- Delivers rich, comforting flavors
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PORK RIBS – We use boneless ribs for this recipe. Country-style ribs are cut from the pork shoulder area, making them meatier and more marbled than traditional ribs. This cut of meat is great for slow cooking as it becomes very tender. They can be bone-in or boneless, but boneless is preferred for ease of eating. For best results, season well before cooking, and for added flavor, you might quickly brown them in a pan first.
BARBECUE SAUCE – Serves as the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and tang.
GARLIC AND ONION – Garlic and onion lay the groundwork for flavor. Garlic adds punch, while onion brings a subtle sweetness. Together, they create a savory base that complements the ribs. Chop finely for even distribution and a smooth sauce texture.
SPICES – Mixing mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and pepper creates a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of spice and depth. Mustard brightens, Worcestershire adds depth, smoked paprika brings a grill-like smokiness, and pepper introduces warmth. Adjust to taste, remembering flavors blend and mellow as they cook.
How To Make Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker, and pour the sauce mixture over the ribs. Coat well.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 5-7 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Enjoy the ribs with your favorite sides, adding a bit more sauce on top for good measure.
Storage and Leftovers
STORE – Pop any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you’re keeping everything safe and delicious for another meal.
FREEZE – If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the ribs well or put them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just remember to label them with the date so you know when to use them.
REHEAT – When you’re ready for round two, reheating is easy. If the ribs are thawed, warm them in the oven, covered with foil, at 350° Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep them moist and delicious. If they’re still frozen, let them thaw in the fridge first for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
GREEN BEANS – Light and fresh, they add a nice crunch to balance the rich flavors of the ribs.
MASHED POTATOES – Creamy and flavorful, they’re the perfect base to soak up that delicious sauce.
CRISP COLESLAW – Adding a tangy crunch, coleslaw brightens the meal and contrasts beautifully with the tender ribs.
CORN ON THE COB – Sweet and buttery, it’s a classic that’s always a hit.
FRESH BREAD – Ideal for mopping up any remaining sauce, ensuring you enjoy every last bit.
Recipe Success Tips
LAYER FLAVORS – Start with the garlic and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, then ribs, then pour the sauce over. This helps distribute the flavors evenly as they cook.
CHECK FOR DONENESS – After 5 hours, check if the ribs are tender. If not, give them a bit more time. They should be easy to pull apart with a fork.
ADJUST SEASONING – Before serving, taste the sauce. If it needs more kick, add a pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to brighten the flavors.
More Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 pounds pork ribs boneless
Instructions
- Combine the barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Place the ribs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the ribs, making sure all of them are coated.
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours or until the ribs are cooked through and tender. (see notes*)
- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker carefully (they fall apart easily) and serve warm. You can coat them in additional sauce from the pot and garnish with parsley if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
I recommend cooking the ribs on the low heat setting in your slow cooker. Cooking them low and slow makes them more flavorful and tender. On Low: 5 to 7 hoursOn High: 2 ½. to 3 ½ hours
Food Safety
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 200° Fahrenheit.Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
I would have liked to know is there is any difference with this recipe and leaving the meat on the bone.
Great question, thank you. Yes, you can substitute bone-in ribs for this recipe. Place a rack (or up to 2 depending on the size of you slow cooker) of ribs in your slow cooker, cover with the sauce, and cook on low for 5-7 hours until the meat is cooked through and tender. Optionally, you can transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet, coat them with sauce from the slow cooker, and broil them in the oven. This step caramelizes the sauce and gives the bone-in ribs crispy outside edges. I hope that helps.
If no slow cooker is available could this recipe be made in a dutch oven? If so, assuming using the same 5 hours, would a 250 degree oven be appropriate?
Yes this should not be a problem. Setting your oven to 250º Fahrenheit mimics a slow cooker’s low setting. This allows your ribs to cook gently over about 5 hours.
This slow, steady heat breaks down collagen for tender meat while preventing drying out. It also gives time for the flavors to develop and meld.
Do you cover ribs with foil when baking in 250 degree oven for 5 hours?
This recipe has only been tested in slow cooker but if I were to try making it in the oven, yes that’s what I’d do.