Slow Cooker Maple Country-Style Ribs
Maple syrup and spices flavor these crockpot pork ribs. Use meaty country-style ribs in this recipe.
These slow cooker maple country-style ribs are pure comfort food with almost no effort. The ribs become incredibly tender as they cook, and the maple syrup blends with warm spices to create a cozy, sweet-and-savory flavor that works beautifully with pork.
It’s a simple recipe that you can put together in minutes, then let the slow cooker handle the rest. Whether served with potatoes, noodles, or vegetables, these maple-glazed ribs make an easy, satisfying meal for any day of the week.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Hands-off cooking. The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day.
Cozy, comforting flavor. Maple syrup and spices create a warm, lightly sweet glaze.
Great for budget meals. Country-style ribs are economical and cook up tender and delicious.
Ingredient Notes
- Country-style pork ribs: Meaty and flavorful; use bone-in or boneless.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness—real maple syrup gives the best flavor.
- Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with savory depth.
- Dried minced onion: Easy and convenient; fresh minced onion works as well.
- Cinnamon, ginger, allspice: Warm spices that enhance the maple flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic backbone to the dish.
- Pepper: Use a dash or more to taste for balance.
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Maple Country-Style Ribs
- Arrange the pork ribs in the slow cooker.
- Stir the remaining ingredients together in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low until the ribs are tender.
- Serve the ribs with your favorite sides.
Tips
- Trim excess fat if needed to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
- To thicken the cooking liquid, simmer it briefly on the stovetop after the ribs are done.
- Sear the ribs before slow cooking for a deeper, richer flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicier version. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Smoky maple. Mix in smoked paprika to complement the sweetness.
- Cider-mapped blend. Replace part of the maple syrup with apple cider.
- Maple-mustard. Stir in Dijon mustard for tang and balance.
- Garlic lovers. Add extra garlic powder or a few fresh garlic cloves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to catch the maple glaze.
- Pair with buttered egg noodles for an easy, comforting side.
- Add a vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans for color.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until hot.
Slow Cooker Maple Country-Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons onion, minced, dried or fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- dash of pepper
Instructions
- Place the pork ribs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or cook on high for about 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.
