Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
Try this mouthwatering slow cooker recipe for country style pork ribs. Juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Country style pork ribs don’t actually come from the rib. They are cut from the blade end of the loin near the shoulder. They are meatier than other types of pork ribs and they are a popular cut for slow cooking, barbecuing, and braising. You’ll find country style ribs boneless or on the bone.
This slow cooker recipe for country style ribs includes a homemade sauce with barbecue flavors.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Perfect for busy days. Just sear, pour the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Fall-apart tender texture. The low and slow method guarantees ultra-tender pork.
Homemade BBQ-style sauce. Sweet, tangy, and savory with pantry ingredients.
Great for leftovers. The tender pork is versatile for tacos, salads, or casseroles.
Ingredient Notes
- Country style pork ribs – Use either bone-in or boneless ribs; both work well in this recipe.
- Onion – Sliced and layered under the sauce for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Soy sauce – Adds savory umami and balances the sweetness.
- Ketchup & brown sugar – Create a classic sweet BBQ-style base.
- Mustard, garlic, vinegar – Add tang and depth to the sauce.
- Celery seed – A subtle but distinctive seasoning that elevates the sauce.
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
- Pat the pork ribs dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a skillet and sear the ribs until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker and scatter sliced onions on top.
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour over the ribs and onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until tender.
Tips
Don’t skip the sear. Browning the ribs first adds flavor and color to the finished dish.
Deglaze the skillet. If desired, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet after searing and pour that into the slow cooker to capture extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Add liquid smoke. A dash of liquid smoke in the sauce adds that outdoor BBQ flavor.
- Spicy version. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Maple twist. Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
- Apple-flavored ribs. Swap the vinegar for apple juice and add a few apple slices with the onions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.
- Add steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls, corn muffins, or cheesy biscuits.
- Shred the pork for BBQ sandwiches or sliders.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Pack cooled pork and sauce in freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: Place ribs and sauce in a foil-covered baking dish and reheat at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot.
Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 pounds country-style pork ribs, boneless or bone-in
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dash black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle the ribs all over with kosher salt and pepper.
- Sear the ribs in the hot oil for 7 to 9 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker and cover with the sliced onion.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour it evenly over the ribs and onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or until tender, or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
