These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are tender and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both hearty and comforting! Yum!
Who doesn’t love coming home to a delicious smell wafting through the house? I love serving these ribs with some creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a match made in heaven! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Country style pork ribs are great for this recipe because they are very meaty and tender when slow-cooked. If you can’t find them, you can use baby back ribs or spare ribs, but adjust cooking times as they may require different times in the slow cooker.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’re looking for something healthier, consider a low-sugar variety or try making your own! Apply a homemade mix of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices.
Paprika: Regular paprika works well, but smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor. If you need something milder, you can replace it with chili powder.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar is fine. If you prefer a healthier alternative, try using honey or maple syrup, but remember adjustments in sweetness may be needed.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for heat. If you want some spice but don’t have cayenne, you can use red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs Are Tender?
Making tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in a slow cooker is all about cooking them low and slow. Here’s how:
- Start with dry ribs: This helps the rub stick better. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Prepare a flavorful rub: Mix dry spices and coat the ribs evenly. This adds so much flavor!
- Use the right cooking time: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is ideal, but if you’re short on time, make sure to cook on high for at least 3-4 hours. Always check for tenderness.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the ribs sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle back in.
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3 to 4 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Cooking:
- ½ cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this delicious recipe is about 6 to 8 hours if you cook it on low, or 3 to 4 hours if you choose high. Prep time is about 15 minutes, making it an easy, fuss-free meal that will fill your kitchen with amazing smells while it cooks away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by patting your country style ribs dry with some paper towels. This helps the rub stick better. Place the ribs in a large bowl, ready to be seasoned!
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy!). Take this flavorful mix and rub it evenly all over the ribs, coating them well. This will make them super tasty!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Next, place the seasoned ribs into your slow cooker. Pour the water around the ribs, but don’t pour it directly on top of them; you want to keep that delicious rub intact!
4. Add BBQ Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs! Make sure they are well-covered to lock in all that flavor while they cook.
5. Cook the Ribs:
Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is super tender and falling off the bone—so delicious!
6. Serve:
Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. If you love barbecue sauce like we do, feel free to drizzle a little extra sauce over the top before serving.
7. Enjoy:
These tasty ribs pair perfectly with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. Gather your friends and family and enjoy this hearty meal together!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While country style ribs are ideal, you can substitute with pork shoulder or spare ribs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—pork shoulder may need a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Blend until smooth and use it in place of the barbecue sauce for a tasty twist!
Can I Cook This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the prepared ribs in a baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until tender. Baste with additional barbecue sauce halfway through cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
