Ultimate Fall-Apart Crockpot Country Style Ribs: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe for Smoky BBQ Perfection
Prepare to discover the ultimate comfort food with these incredible Crockpot Country Style Ribs! Imagine tender, juicy pork that literally falls apart with the touch of a fork, drenched in a rich, savory BBQ sauce. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for a hearty family dinner or feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Our slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming an affordable cut of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The magic of slow cooking ensures that every bite is infused with a deep, smoky flavor, even without firing up the grill. You’ll be amazed at how easily these country style ribs come together to create a dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day (because it has!).
Crockpot Country Style Ribs are incredibly versatile and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend gathering, seeking a comforting weeknight meal, or simply craving something hearty and full of robust BBQ goodness, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a foolproof method to achieve consistently tender and flavorful ribs every single time. Moreover, country style ribs are generally an economical cut of pork, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for feeding a hungry household without compromising on taste or quality.
One of the beauties of this dish is its adaptability. You can easily find country style ribs—both bone-in and boneless—at most grocery stores, giving you flexibility in your choice. For the BBQ sauce, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand for ultimate convenience, or elevate the flavor with a homemade option. Our very own Homemade Barbecue Sauce adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you happen to prefer your ribs on the sweeter side, a Coca Cola BBQ Sauce could be a delightful and popular twist that will surely please your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for Tender Crockpot Country Style Ribs
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements!
- Country Style Ribs – Despite their name, these are actually not ribs from the rib cage, but rather meaty cuts typically from the pork shoulder or Boston butt. This is precisely why they become so incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. While I personally prefer boneless country style ribs for easier shredding and serving, bone-in varieties also work beautifully and can add an even richer flavor to the cooking liquid. Aim for about 3-4 pounds to serve a family generously.
- Dry Rub – A high-quality dry rub is absolutely crucial for building a fantastic flavor base for your ribs, especially since we’re slow cooking and not relying on direct grill smoke. You can use any favorite spice blend you already love. Our recommended The Best Dry Rub offers a perfect, harmonious balance of sweet and smoky notes that truly complements the rich pork flavor. This blend typically includes ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, along with a touch of chili and chipotle for a subtle kick.
- Onion – Thinly sliced onions are laid at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an aromatic bed for the ribs. As they slowly cook down, they release natural sweetness and ample juices, which are vital for keeping the ribs incredibly moist and preventing them from drying out during the long cooking process. They also contribute significantly to the rich, flavorful liquid that forms in the pot.
- Chicken Broth – A small amount of chicken broth creates a flavorful liquid environment in the slow cooker, essential for braising the ribs and ensuring they become exceptionally tender. It helps to distribute heat and moisture evenly, allowing the meat to break down beautifully and become wonderfully succulent. Use a low-sodium broth if you are conscious of salt intake, as the dry rub already provides seasoning.
- Liquid Smoke – For that authentic, deep BBQ flavor without needing a smoker, liquid smoke is a remarkable ingredient. Just a half teaspoon adds a subtle yet distinctive smoky depth that will make your slow-cooked ribs taste like they spent hours over a wood fire. Do not skip this ingredient if you desire that classic BBQ essence in your finished dish!
- Barbecue Sauce – This is where you can truly customize the final flavor profile of your country style ribs. Whether you prefer a tangy, sweet, spicy, or even a mustard-based sauce, choose one that you absolutely adore. It will be tossed with or drizzled over the shredded pork, adding that final, irresistible layer of BBQ goodness that ties the whole dish together.
Simple Steps to Perfectly Tender Crockpot Country Style Ribs
Making these country style ribs in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, demanding very little hands-on time for a truly spectacular meal. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and memorable dinner:
- Season Generously. Begin by generously sprinkling your chosen dry rub over all surfaces of the country style ribs. Make sure each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated, as this dry rub forms the foundational flavor profile of your ribs. Take a moment to gently massage the rub into the meat, ensuring maximum penetration and flavor development during the slow cooking process.
- Layer in the Crockpot. First, place the thinly sliced onions evenly across the bottom of your crockpot. These onions will not only create a natural barrier, preventing the meat from sticking, but also infuse the ribs with additional flavor and moisture as they cook. Then, arrange the seasoned country style ribs on top of the onions. Try to place them in a single layer if your crockpot allows, or stack them carefully if necessary, ensuring good contact with the onion base.
- Add the Liquid. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and liquid smoke until well combined. This mixture will provide the essential braising liquid and impart that wonderful, authentic smoky aroma we’re aiming for. Carefully pour this liquid around the ribs in the crockpot, doing your best to avoid washing off too much of the flavorful dry rub from the top of the meat.
- Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for approximately 6 hours. The “low and slow” method is absolutely critical here for achieving optimal tenderness where the meat simply melts in your mouth. The ribs are ready when they are incredibly fork-tender and can be easily shredded with minimal effort. If they still feel tough after 6 hours, don’t worry, just continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes until they reach that desired fall-apart consistency.
- Shred and Finish. Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the tender ribs from the crockpot and transfer them to a large cutting board or a shallow dish. Using two forks, easily shred the pork into your desired size pieces. You have two delicious options for serving: you can either return the shredded pork to the flavorful cooking juices remaining in the crockpot, allowing it to soak up even more deliciousness, or you can toss it directly with your favorite barbecue sauce just before serving. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose what you prefer!
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Country Style Ribs
To ensure your Crockpot Country Style Ribs are nothing short of spectacular, keep these expert tips and suggestions in mind:
- Choosing Your Rib Type. While “country style ribs” are technically cuts from the pork shoulder, they can be purchased boneless or bone-in. For this specific recipe, especially if your goal is to achieve that classic, easily pulled pork texture, I highly recommend opting for boneless ribs. They are much simpler to manage and shred after cooking, making the preparation for serving quick and mess-free. Bone-in ribs will still yield incredibly delicious and tender results, but the meat might be a little trickier to remove cleanly from the bone once cooked. Rest assured, the cooking time will remain very similar for both types.
- Optimal Cook Time and Temperature. The “low and slow” method is the secret sauce for achieving truly fall-apart tender ribs. Cooking on the LOW setting for approximately 6 hours is the ideal duration to reach a texture akin to perfect pulled pork, where the meat is incredibly soft and shreds effortlessly. If your preference leans towards a firmer, more sliceable roast-like texture, the pork can be considered safe to eat after about 4 hours on low, though it won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. I strongly advise against cooking country style ribs on HIGH heat; this often leads to dry, less tender results, which defeats the very purpose and benefit of slow cooking.
- Customizing Your Seasoning. The wonderful aspect of this recipe is its inherent flexibility when it comes to seasoning. While a fantastic dry rub recipe is provided, please feel free to use any high-quality spice blend you happen to have on hand or that you personally prefer. Whether you gravitate towards a sweet and smoky rub, desire a fiery spicy kick, or prefer a more herbaceous blend, it will work beautifully. Having a versatile go-to dry rub in your pantry means you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences every single time you make it. Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat level by adding a pinch more cayenne or chipotle powder if you enjoy a bit of a kick.
- How to Know When They’re Done. The ultimate and most reliable test for perfectly cooked country style ribs is their tenderness. You’ll know they are absolutely done when you can effortlessly pull the meat apart with just a fork; it should offer virtually no resistance. After about 5 hours on the low setting, you can gently test a piece. If it still feels somewhat tough, simply cover it again and continue cooking, checking periodically every 45 minutes until it reaches that desired, meltingly tender consistency. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially for achieving truly exceptional slow-cooked ribs.
- Optional Browning for Enhanced Flavor. For an extra layer of deeply savory flavor and a slightly richer color, consider an optional step: searing your country style ribs in a hot pan with a little oil for a few minutes on each side before transferring them to the crockpot. This brief searing creates a delicious crust and helps to lock in some of the meat’s natural juices, contributing to a more complex flavor profile. Alternatively, once the ribs are fully cooked and shredded, you can spread them on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes (watching them very closely to prevent burning!) to achieve some wonderfully crispy, caramelized edges.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness and Flavor. After the ribs are cooked and removed, the liquid remaining in the crockpot is a concentrated flavor bomb. If you prefer a thicker sauce to mix with your shredded pork, you can easily achieve this. First, skim off any excess fat from the top of the liquid. Then, pour the remaining flavorful juices into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. For thickening, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (typically 1 tablespoon of cornstarch thoroughly mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) into the simmering liquid and stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a touch more BBQ sauce, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a pinch of brown sugar if desired.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Country Style Ribs
These Crockpot Country Style Ribs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a huge variety of classic BBQ and comforting side dishes. Think of them just like you would Smoked Baby Back Ribs or any other delicious slow-cooked pork, perfect for creating a satisfying and memorable meal for any occasion!
For a truly traditional barbecue feast, don’t forget these essential and always popular pairings:
- The Best Cornbread: A warm, often slightly sweet, and savory cornbread is absolutely perfect for soaking up all the rich, delicious BBQ sauce and tender pork juices. Its texture provides a comforting contrast.
- Hearty Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans, with their blend of sweetness and tang, are an absolutely quintessential BBQ side dish. Their robust flavor and creamy texture complement the ribs perfectly.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp, cool crunch of a fresh coleslaw provides a refreshing and necessary contrast to the rich, tender pork. The vinegar or creamy dressing helps to cut through the richness.
- Smoked Mac and Cheese: Cheesy, creamy, and with a hint of smoky flavor, macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and complements the BBQ ribs beautifully, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Beyond the beloved classics, consider these delightful additions for an even more epic spread:
- Easy Potato Salad: A creamy and savory potato salad is a timeless side that always hits the spot, offering a cool and hearty accompaniment.
- Tangy Macaroni Salad: For another pasta-based side, a zesty macaroni salad offers a different texture and a brighter flavor profile compared to potato salad.
- Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: Add a little kick and extra creaminess with these flavorful mashed potatoes, which pair wonderfully with the savory pork.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or corn on the cob can add freshness, color, and a healthy balance to your plate.
- Brioche Buns or Slider Rolls: Serve the shredded pork on soft brioche buns or slider rolls for incredible, easy-to-eat BBQ sandwiches, perfect for parties or casual dining.
Storing Your Leftover Country Style Ribs
Cooked country style ribs are absolutely fantastic as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld! Once the pork has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect meal prep option, allowing you to have delicious and ready-to-eat lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Reheating is simple and quick: gently warm portions in the microwave until heated through, or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of extra broth or water to help keep it moist and prevent drying out. These versatile leftovers are excellent additions to tacos, quesadillas, sliders, or even piled high on a baked potato for a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
If you find yourself with a generous amount of leftover shredded pork, freezing is an excellent option to extend its shelf life considerably. To freeze, place the cooled pork in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. For best results when using a bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Properly stored, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months without significant loss of quality.
To enjoy later, simply thaw the frozen pork overnight in the refrigerator. Once completely thawed, reheat it using your preferred method (microwave or stovetop) and serve with your favorite sides, or incorporate it into new and exciting dishes. Freezing is a brilliant way to have a flavorful, ready-to-use protein available for those particularly busy weeknights when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Explore More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the sheer ease and undeniable deliciousness of slow cooker meals after trying these country style ribs, you’re in for a treat! The crockpot is a fantastic tool for creating flavorful, hands-off dishes. Here are some more fantastic crockpot recipes to add to your culinary repertoire, perfect for any busy weeknight or relaxed weekend:
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A savory and tender dish packed with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, aromatic sauce, perfect over rice or noodles.
- Crockpot Cajun Chicken: Bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with this flavorful and subtly spicy chicken, ideal for serving with pasta or rice.
- BBQ Beef: Another excellent slow-cooked BBQ option, yielding incredibly tender beef that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a stand-alone main dish.
- Crockpot Sausage & Peppers: A simple yet incredibly satisfying Italian-inspired meal with minimal fuss, great in hero rolls or alongside pasta.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy and tender chicken drumsticks that practically cook themselves, making for an effortless and family-friendly meal.
Crockpot Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds boneless country style ribs
- 3 Tablespoons Dry Rub
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
Dry Rub
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Sprinkle dry rub evenly over each of the country style ribs until they are evenly coated.3-4 pounds boneless country style ribs, 3 Tablespoons Dry Rub
- Place sliced onions in the base of your crockpot. Arrange the country style ribs over the top.1 large onion
- Mix together chicken broth and liquid smoke, pour around the ribs.½ cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the ribs are tender and easy to shred with a fork. If they are tough, continue to cook for longer.
- Remove the ribs from the crockpot and use 2 forks to shred.
- To serve you can mix the pork back with the juice or toss with the barbecue sauce.¾ cup barbecue sauce
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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