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Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are rich and flavorful. These super easy to make crockpot country style ribs are fork-tender and delicious! Cooking country-style ribs in a slow cooker results in tender, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone. Amazingly delicious pork ribs that the whole family will enjoy.
Country Style Ribs in the Slow Cooker
Summer is a time for ribs, for sure. But what to do when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen by turning on the oven? Just bust out the good old slow cooker and cook them in that!
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs come out so moist and fork tender when cooked in the crock pot! I much prefer them this way (and in the Instant Pot) than in the oven.
You can be hands-off and get some things done while these yummy ribs are slowly cooking to perfection!
Are Boneless Ribs or Bone-in Ribs Better?
- Normally I would tell you that bone-in ribs will have better flavor, however, I’ve made both types of country style ribs and haven’t noticed a difference.
- Country style ribs are cut from the pork shoulder, which is what we use for pulled pork. That cut has lots of connective tissue and fat that will break down during the long cook time. This gives flavor and tenderness.
- I think it comes down to personal preference. Boneless are easier to eat and take less time to cook. Some people think bone-in are more flavorful. It’s up to you!
What is the best way to season these Crockpot Pork Ribs?
- By far, layering the flavors is the key to making the best tasting pork ribs.
- A good spice rub is the first step to the most flavorful country style ribs. I have a ribs rub recipe that is perfect for these country style pork ribs: Ribs Spice Rub. Be generous with it!
- The second layer is a smoky barbecue sauce. The bbq sauces that are smoky flavored give you that yummy depth of flavor that we all love from the grill.
What Liquid is Best to Cook Ribs In?
- Personally, I don’t add liquid when I cook Country Style Ribs in the slow cooker as moisture doesn’t evaporate much. There always seems to be plenty of liquid in the pot when they are done cooking.
- However, you certainly can add a little liquid (about a half to one cup at most) if you want to. Some great choices are:
• Apple cider or apple juice
• Beer
• Cola
How Long do Ribs Take in the Slow Cooker?
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs (and if bone-in or not) and your specific slow cooker model.
- As a general guideline, slow cook the country-style ribs on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Check for doneness with a fork; the meat should be fork-tender and will easily pull apart when ready.
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Crock Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts
If you make this Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it!
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 large Onion
- 3 lbs Country Style Pork Ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- ½ cup Rib Spice Rub* (see my recipe link below)
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (a smoky one works well)
Instructions
- Spray the crock with cooking spray (or use a cooking bag).
- Peel, then cut the onion into sixths. Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the onion pieces.
- Put the ribs in the crock and sprinkle the rib spice rub on all sides of the ribs. Here is my recipe for Ribs Spice Rub.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or High for 3 to 4 hours, or until ribs are fork tender.
- When done, remove the ribs and the pieces of onion to a serving platter.
- Slather the ribs with the barbecue sauce on all sides.
- Serve with extra bbq sauce for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this 2 days ago and it was excellent. I will definitely be making it again! The only changes I made were: 1) for the rub I didn’t have sweet paprika so I only used the smoked paprika, 2) I only had 2 pounds of ribs so I only used 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce just before serving 3) I cut the amount of the rub in half since I only had 2 pounds of ribs.
Don’t worry, I can assure you you do NOT need to add water to your crockpot before cooking. I was a little worried at first too but it turned out just perfect without it. To make seasoning the raw meat easier I did put all the rub seasoning in a gallon ziplock bag, added the raw meat, and shook it up until it was evenly coated on all sides. Place the seasoned meat on top of your densely chopped onion in your crockpot and you will not be disappointed!
Thank you for mentioning this! I was very curious about that. We’re having this with collard greens tonight…can’t wait!!
I made this exactly as the recipe today on high setting for 4 hours and it’s delicious. No tweaks to the recipe are needed. Made homemade augratin potatoes for the side. Spice rub is spot on!!! Thank you
That’s great! So glad you liked it!
Thank you for this! I was about to add chicken stock to my crock pot.
I used your rib spice rub on some country pork ribs and then put the ribs into a slow cooker with onions. They were awesome! They had such great flavor they didn’t even need BBQ sauce!
Thanks for the recipe.
This looks delicious!! If i just add the seasoning and onions Im scared the meat will be a little dry .? Would it matter if I put a half of cup of bbq sauce in while its cooking and use the other half after they come out of the crock pot?
As long as the bbq sauce stays off the bottom of the pot as it could burn.
My friend and I loved the sauce. He said it was the best-tasting barbecue sauce he has ever had.
Mixed up up your rub followed recipe for ribs! Tasty ribs, but to do again I would leave out half the pepper! Too spicy for my liking! Will make again with less pepper!
In the crockpot as we speak. Made a double batch of the Rib rub and put my country pork spareribs in a bag with some and shook the bag to coat them all over. I think I might add a bit of water as I’m not sure on the amount of moisture that will be released. I might wait a few hours on that however. Looking forward to supper tonight!!! Thank you for the recipe and Rib rub!
This is the first time my ribs have turned out! They were delicious! Definitely making this recipe again.
I just popped these into my slow cooker and I know they’re going to be good because this is the first recipe that taught me a key piece of info – country style ribs are from the SHOULDER which OF COURSE means they should be cooked lower and slower! It was no wonder my previous ribs were coming out tough and dry – I wasn’t cooking them long enough! Great educational info!! Thanks much!
That’s great! I’m happy that you found that info helpful!
I am making them today and they are cooking in my crockpot. Thanks for sharing. Question, when I slather the barbecue sauce should I warm it first or take straight from jar?
Thank you!
Nancy
I just do it straight from the jar!
I am planning on making these but am concerned that no liquid or sauce is added at the beginning. I know the onion will release water but wanted to ask if some BBQ sauce should be added at the beginning?
I know it sounds strange, but the ribs release a lot of liquid. If you are concerned, just add 1/4 cup of water or apple juice/cider and cook as directed. Enjoy!
When I made it, the ribs were about half swimming in liquid at the bottom of the pot, but were very dry when we ate them.
Sounds like they were overcooked. It is good to check on them after about 6-7 hours on low and use a fork to help gauge when they will be done. Don’t cook longer after they are fork-tender. Size and thickness affects the cook time.
I made these today for Valentines Day!
They were delicious! My husband loved them!