Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

My entire family loves it when I cook BBQ ribs for dinner.  This ribs recipe requires little work but tastes amazing. The slow cooker makes this country ribs cook until they are fork tender. The meat literally falls off the bone.

If you love making Easy Slow Cooker Recipes as much as I do, make sure to check out these other delicious recipes. Crock Pot Ribs with Coke, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, and Easy Crockpot BBQ Ribs Recipe are just some of my favorites.

What are Country Style Pork Ribs?

Country-style ribs don’t actually come from the rib area of a pig. Country style ribs come from the shoulder area of the pig. 

When country-style ribs have a bone in them, it is not a rib bone but a shoulder blade. We love making these country style pork ribs in the crock pot. They come out fork tender and fall of the bone.

Ingredients

• Country Style Bone-In Pork Ribs – Use any cut of meat
• Brown Sugar – See The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes if you are out
• Chili Powder – If you are out check out The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Salt and Black Pepper – You can use kosher salt as well
• Favorite BBQ Sauce – You can use sweet baby ray or make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Scroll to the bottom of the post to see recipe card for the full recipe and ingredients.

Substitutions and Additions

This recipe is delicious just as it is however you can add a few additions if you would like.

• Liquid Smoke – Liquid Smoke is a delicious addition to add smokey flavor
• Add Seasonings – Garlic Powder, cumin, onion powder, and paprika are great to add
• Onions – Slice up an onion and add it in the beginning of the slow cooking in a single layer.
• Change the Meat – Pork chops, pork shoulder or a pork roast would work in this slow cooker recipe. Great idea for making amazing pulled pork for your friends and family. Feel free to make this recipe with boneless ribs as well. The cooking time will still be the same.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Put the country style pork ribs in your favorite crock pot. 

Step 2 – Then you whisk all the other ingredients together and pour over the top.  This sauce mixture is so good that you will not miss the smoky barbecue sauce in this recipe.

Step 3 – Pour the sauce over the ribs.

Step 5 – Then cover and cook the ribs in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours. 

• Step 6 – Once they have been slow cooked, place on a baking sheet. Broil the ribs on a baking pan for approximately 5-10 minutes to caramelize the sauce. 

• Step 7 – This process bring out the best flavors in this recipe.  You may also put them on the grill for 5-10 minutes instead of using the broiler if you prefer.
• Step 8 – Season with salt and pepper then serve with your favorite side dishes.

Recipe Tips

• Homemade Barbecue Sauce – We love making our sauces from scratch because you can control the ingredients. Making Homemade BBQ Sauce saves time, money and taste even better on these ribs.
• Cooking Ribs – For the best results we recommend cooking the ribs on low. It helps to tenderize the meat which results the most flavorful ribs.
• Cooking Spray – Feel free to spray the slow cooker with cooking spray if you have problems with the meat sticking.
• Instant Pot – If you prefer, these ribs can be made in the instant. Place the ribs in the instant pot and add in your sauce ingredients. Then cook the ribs for about 15 minutes on high press and do a natural release for about 10. Then broil the ribs in the oven for a caramelize the texture.

What is the Difference between Country Style Ribs and Spare Ribs?

Country style pork ribs are cut from the shoulder of the hog and the very end of the pork loin.  These ribs are similar to pork chops in flavor.

Spare ribs come from the rib section of the hog and have a slightly different flavor.  Either type would taste great in this recipe. So you may substitute with spare ribs in you prefer them over country style ribs.

The sauce in this recipe would go great with other cuts of pork as well.  I usually buy what’s on sale. 

How to Serve Ribs

The country style ribs are a great addition to your family’s BBQ or a tasty weeknight meal. We love to serve easy side dishes for a complete meal idea. I always make these CrockPot Mashed Potatoes Recipe or Garlic Butter Rice with a side of this Boiling Corn on the Cob Recipe and Green Beans with Bacon Recipe.

It makes for the perfect combination and always a crowd favorite. For other options try this Quick & Easy Baked Beans or Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. If you are making boneless country style pork ribs add Traditional Potato Salad Recipe or Best Macaroni Salad Recipe as a delicious side dish.

This Homemade Cornbread Recipe is another delicious options and taste even better making from scratch. For more side dish ideas, see Best Sides for Ribs.

Frequently Asked Questions