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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.
No water required??
No, the ribs will release plenty of liquid as they cook.
Question, do I add any BBQ sauce to the Crock Pot when starting the cook? Thanks Kurt
No, add the bbq sauce at the end.
I made this recipe last weekend and it was to die for!!! I followed the instructions except I used McCormick’s Smokehouse Seasoning with Maple rubbed that all over my country style ribs, and then I used a 1/2 packet of leftover taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of orange sauce, 1/2 cup of ketchup and 1/4 cup of housing sauce mixed together in a bowl, then smothered my ribs with this concoction. Did 5 hrs on slow cooker. Hubby’s a picky critic so this was a hit!!! Served it with jasmine rice. Exquisite!!
How many ribs are considered a serving?
1/6th of the recipe if you make 3 pounds (about .5 pound). It’s approximate as bones could be larger or smaller, or you may be using boneless.
I substituted a smoked hot paprika for the cayenne. Got some kick but not as much as with cayenne. I also added liquid smoke to big sauce. This came out very well. Thanks. If anyone is interested lots of interesting spices and rubs can be found
These were amazing! Melt in your mouth. I would recommend low for 7-8 hours. You need to keep it low and slow. The rub is spot on. I used my homemade BBQ sauce. This is my go to rib recipe in winter when I can’t use my grill. Better than the baby back I use to make. You really can’t mess this up. Thank you for a great recipe.
Can I do baby back ribs and country style ribs together? Do you put in frozen or defrosted?
Thanks
I don’t see why not. I would defrost them before cooking.
Made these last night in the slower cooker. I cooked them on low for 8 hours I didn’t have the sweet paprika so I just used smoked and I also used half of the hotter spice because my husband and I usually like things less spicey than the ribs were fall off bone tender from what little bones they had. my husband loved it thanks for sharing your recipe.
Delicious. This recipe is a keeper! Thank you 😊
Making these today. I had trouble finding sweet paprika, so I just omitted it. Do you think I should have added a substitute, asking for future reference?
Can’t wait I to try them.
just regular paprika is fine to use.
Tried this for supper tonight and was very surprised! I wld prob cut back a little on cayenne next time…almost TOO spicy ( for us old folks!) the meat was tender & smelled great cooking!
Do I have to put the pieces of onion on the bottom of the slow cooker or can I omit them snd put the ribs straight in there?
You can put them straight in.
Can I put the ribs in frozen and still cook them
I haven’t tried this.
I made these they were awesome good recipe!!!!1