Ultimate Fall-Apart Crockpot Country Style Ribs: Your Easiest BBQ Dinner
Prepare to discover your new favorite way to enjoy ribs: these Crockpot Country Style Ribs are incredibly tender, falling apart with just a fork, and bursting with rich, savory, and smoky BBQ flavor. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience made effortlessly simple. Slow-cooked to perfection in a delectable barbecue sauce, these ribs offer an unbeatable combination of convenience and taste, making them a perfect, hassle-free dinner option for any night of the week.
Crockpot Country Style Ribs stand out as the quintessential comfort food, reimagined for modern busy lives. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal preparation and the use of just a few readily available ingredients. Your slow cooker takes center stage, diligently transforming these hearty cuts of meat into unbelievably tender, succulent ribs that literally melt in your mouth. Say goodbye to complicated grilling or long hours spent over a hot stove; the crockpot handles all the hard work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the enticing aromas filling your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, feeding a hungry family, or simply seeking a deeply satisfying and hearty meal, making country style ribs in the crockpot is an excellent choice. This super easy recipe consistently delivers immense barbecue flavor without the need to fire up a grill. It’s an ideal solution for achieving that slow-smoked taste right from your kitchen, promising a crowd-pleasing dish every time. The convenience, combined with the robust flavor, makes this recipe a true game-changer for anyone craving authentic BBQ goodness without the fuss.
One of the many advantages of country style ribs is their accessibility and affordability. You can readily find both bone-in and boneless varieties in most grocery stores, making them a budget-friendly protein option. While your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce will work wonderfully, for an extra special touch, consider elevating the flavor with a homemade option. My Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe is a fantastic choice, offering a balanced blend of sweet and tangy notes. If you lean towards a sweeter profile, the Coca Cola BBQ Sauce is another delightful alternative that adds a unique depth of flavor. The choice is yours, allowing for customization to suit your family’s preferences.
What Exactly Are Country Style Ribs?
Despite their name, country style ribs aren’t actually ribs at all in the traditional sense. They are typically cut from the shoulder end of the loin, a part of the pig known for its excellent marbling and rich flavor. This cut often includes blade meat and parts of the shoulder bone (when bone-in), offering a substantial, meaty portion that holds up beautifully to slow cooking. They are distinct from baby back or spare ribs, which are actual rib bones. Their generous meat-to-bone ratio (or entirely boneless nature) makes them incredibly versatile and easy to eat, perfect for shredding into pulled pork or serving as a hearty sliced roast. Their inherent tenderness when cooked low and slow is what makes them a perfect candidate for your crockpot, ensuring a moist and flavorful result every time.
Why the Slow Cooker is Your Best Friend for Ribs
The slow cooker truly shines when preparing dishes like country style ribs. Its consistent low heat environment gently breaks down tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in unparalleled tenderness that’s difficult to achieve with other cooking methods. This “set it and forget it” approach also allows flavors to meld and deepen over several hours, creating a more complex and satisfying final product. For busy individuals or families, the ability to do minimal prep in the morning and return home to a delicious, fully cooked meal is invaluable. Plus, the enclosed environment of the crockpot helps retain moisture, ensuring your ribs stay juicy and never dry out, even after hours of cooking.
Gather Your Ingredients: Essential Components for Delicious Ribs
For the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Country Style Ribs – These are the star of our show! While you can certainly use bone-in country style ribs, I personally find boneless varieties easier to work with, especially when it comes to shredding the meat later. Choose cuts with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Dry Rub – A well-balanced dry rub is crucial for infusing these ribs with deep, savory flavor, especially since we won’t be grilling. Any robust spice blend you enjoy will work, but for a truly exceptional result, I highly recommend The Best Dry Rub. It offers a perfect harmony of sweet and smoky notes that beautifully complements the pork.
- Onion – Sliced onions placed at the base of the crockpot do more than just add flavor. As they cook down slowly, they release natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender bed for the ribs and helping to keep them incredibly juicy and delicious.
- Chicken Broth – This liquid component provides the necessary moisture for slow cooking, preventing the ribs from drying out and ensuring a rich, flavorful braising liquid.
- Liquid Smoke – To achieve that authentic, deep smoky flavor typically associated with grilled or smoked ribs, liquid smoke is a secret weapon. Just a small amount goes a long way in replicating that irresistible backyard BBQ taste without needing a smoker.
- Barbecue Sauce – The final touch! A good quality barbecue sauce provides that classic sticky, sweet, and tangy coating. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand, or explore homemade options for a truly personalized touch.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Crockpot Country Style Ribs
- Season Generously. Begin by thoroughly seasoning your country style ribs. Sprinkle your chosen dry rub evenly over each piece, ensuring all sides are coated. Don’t be shy; a good rub forms the foundation of the flavor. Take a moment to gently press the rub into the meat for better adhesion.
- Layer the Base. Arrange the thinly sliced onions in a single, even layer at the bottom of your crockpot. These onions will create a flavorful and moist bed for the ribs, contributing to their tenderness and sweetness as they slow cook.
- Arrange the Ribs. Carefully place the seasoned country style ribs over the bed of onions in the crockpot. Try to arrange them in a way that allows them to fit snugly but not overly crowded, ensuring even cooking.
- Add Liquid Smoke and Broth. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the chicken broth and liquid smoke. This combination will provide moisture and that essential smoky aroma. Pour this liquid around the ribs, being careful not to wash off the dry rub from the top of the meat.
- Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover your crockpot with its lid. Set the cooker to the LOW setting and cook for approximately 6 hours. The goal is for the ribs to become incredibly tender, so much so that they can be easily shredded with a fork. If, after 6 hours, they still feel tough, simply continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes, checking periodically until they reach the desired fall-apart consistency.
- Shred and Serve. Once the ribs are perfectly tender, carefully remove them from the crockpot using tongs. Place them on a cutting board or a large plate. Using two forks, easily shred the meat into succulent pieces. To serve, you have two delicious options: you can mix the shredded pork back into the flavorful cooking juices in the crockpot, allowing it to soak up more of that savory goodness, or toss it directly with your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic saucy finish. Both methods yield incredibly tasty results!
Pro Tips & Variations for Your Best Ribs
- Boneless vs. Bone-In Ribs. While I typically opt for boneless country style ribs due to their ease of shredding and serving, bone-in ribs are absolutely suitable for this recipe. The cooking time will be very similar, though you might find bone-in cuts slightly more challenging to shred evenly. Regardless of your choice, the slow cooker will ensure a tender outcome.
- Optimal Cook Time & Texture. For the pulled pork-like texture shown in the photos – where the meat is fall-apart tender and easily shredded – a cooking time of about 6 hours on LOW is ideal. If you prefer a texture more akin to a roast that can be sliced, the pork will be safely cooked and firm enough to slice after approximately 4 hours on LOW. I strongly advise against cooking country style ribs on the HIGH setting, as this method tends to dry out the pork and prevents it from achieving that truly melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we’re aiming for.
- Customizing Your Seasoning. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with seasonings. Feel free to use any spice blend you have on hand and love! Whether it’s a pre-made BBQ rub from your pantry or a custom mix, it will contribute delicious flavor. I’ve included a smaller version of my go-to spice rub in the recipe card, but don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can add a wonderful kick.
- Checking for Doneness. The ultimate test for perfectly cooked country style ribs is their tenderness. You’ll know they’re done when the meat can be effortlessly pulled apart with a fork. Around the 5-hour mark, you can gently test a piece to gauge its tenderness. If it still feels tough or resists shredding, simply continue cooking, checking again every 45 minutes to an hour until it reaches that desirable fall-apart consistency. Patience is key for achieving maximum tenderness!
- Browning for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended). For an even richer flavor and a beautiful crust, consider quickly searing the seasoned ribs in a hot skillet with a little oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This step, while optional, adds a fantastic depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, locking in juices and creating a more complex taste profile.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Perfect Ribs
These Crockpot Country Style Ribs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of classic barbecue sides. I love to serve them just like I would Smoked Baby Back Ribs, creating a complete and satisfying meal that evokes backyard BBQ gatherings. Traditional favorites like The Best Cornbread, sweet and savory Baked Beans, a crisp and refreshing Coleslaw, or a decadent Mac and Cheese are absolute must-haves for an authentic barbecue spread. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the tangy ribs, while the cornbread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
Beyond the classics, you can also create an epic feast by serving these tender ribs with other beloved sides. Consider a creamy Easy Potato Salad, a zesty Macaroni Salad, or a comforting bowl of Mashed Potatoes, perhaps with a touch of jalapeño and cheddar for an extra kick. Fresh steamed green beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple garden salad also make excellent lighter accompaniments. Don’t forget pickles and extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who like to customize their plate!
Storage & Freezing: Enjoying Leftovers
One of the great things about making Crockpot Country Style Ribs is how well they store, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. Once the pork has cooled completely, transfer your country style ribs to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating is a breeze; simply warm them in the microwave or gently on the stovetop until heated through. These versatile leftovers are fantastic for quickly adding to tacos, stuffing into sandwiches, filling quesadillas, or even topping a baked potato for a quick and hearty meal.
Freezing Instructions
If you find yourself with a generous amount of leftover meat, or if you simply want to prepare a batch for future meals, these ribs freeze exceptionally well. Portion the cooled shredded pork into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes for a convenient and delicious option for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, flavorful dinner.
Discover More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
If you love the ease and delicious results of slow cooking, you’re in luck! The crockpot is a fantastic tool for creating a wide variety of comforting and flavorful meals with minimal effort. Here are some more of my favorite slow cooker recipes that I think you’ll enjoy, perfect for expanding your repertoire of easy weeknight dinners:
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Crockpot Cajun Chicken
- BBQ Beef
- Crockpot Sausage & Peppers
- Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Crockpot Country Style Ribs
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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
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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
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Place sliced onions in the base of your crockpot. Arrange the country style ribs over the top.1 large onion
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Mix together chicken broth and liquid smoke, pour around the ribs.½ cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
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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.
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Remove the ribs from the crockpot and use 2 forks to shred.
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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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