These Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs are packed with rich, smoky flavor from the BBQ sauce and perfectly tender from slow cooking. The sauce creates a deliciously sticky coating that enhances each bite.
For a perfect presentation, pair these ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. This dish is ideal for a casual family dinner or as the centerpiece of your next barbecue gathering. Whether served on a platter or individual plates, these ribs are sure to impress with their mouthwatering tenderness and bold flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 racks country style pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Place the country style pork ribs in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the ribs from the crockpot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a plate of tender, juicy pork ribs slathered in rich, smoky barbecue sauce. This Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs recipe takes this classic dish to the next level, offering an easy, hands-off method to create tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are sure to impress.
Why Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs Are a Must-Try
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a slow cooker (or Crock Pot), the pork ribs are cooked low and slow for several hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender while soaking up the delicious flavors of the barbecue sauce. This technique ensures that each bite of meat is infused with deep flavors while maintaining a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Not only does this recipe highlight the ease of slow cooking, but it also offers numerous benefits:
- Convenient and Hands-Off: The slow cooker does all the work for you. You simply prep the ribs and sauce, set the Crock Pot, and go about your day. No need to babysit the stove or grill, making this an ideal recipe for busy families or anyone looking to simplify dinner prep.
- Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking breaks down the collagen in the pork ribs, resulting in ultra-tender meat that falls off the bone. Plus, the BBQ sauce melds perfectly with the ribs, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating that enhances each bite.
- Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the flavors of the BBQ sauce by adding extra spices, sweeteners, or even different types of vinegar. Want a spicier kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter flavor? Increase the brown sugar or use a honey-based barbecue sauce.
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Parties: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s a great option for family gatherings, parties, or even meal prepping for the week. You can store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them for a quick meal on another busy day.
- Affordable Comfort Food: Country style pork ribs are an inexpensive cut of meat that yield fantastic results when cooked low and slow. This makes it a great option for budget-conscious families who still want a delicious, hearty meal.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pork Ribs
- Searing the Ribs: While this step is optional, searing the pork ribs in a hot pan before adding them to the Crock Pot can help seal in the juices and create a nice, caramelized crust. It’s an extra step that enhances the depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and still achieve delicious results.
- Choosing the Right Sauce: For the perfect BBQ experience, use a sauce that complements the richness of the pork. You can go for a tangy, vinegar-based sauce or a sweet, molasses-rich version—whichever you prefer. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces or create your own blend of seasonings to find your ideal flavor profile.
- Low and Slow is the Key: The longer the ribs cook, the more tender they’ll become. Don’t rush the process. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours to achieve that perfect, fall-apart texture. If you’re in a rush, you can cook them on high for 4-5 hours, but the results will be more tender if you give them the extra time.
- Serve with Sides That Complement the Ribs: Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs are rich and flavorful, so pair them with sides that balance out their intensity. Coleslaw, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad work wonderfully to round out the meal.
Health Benefits of Pork Ribs
While ribs are often associated with indulgence, they can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Pork, particularly when cooked properly, is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron. While it’s important to keep in mind that pork ribs are a fatty cut of meat, choosing leaner cuts like country style ribs can offer a satisfying meal without the excess fat found in other cuts.
Additionally, this recipe allows you to control the amount of added sugar and salt, especially if you make your own barbecue sauce or choose a store-bought option with cleaner ingredients. By adding a homemade sauce with minimal sugar, you can create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
Why This Recipe is the Best for Your Family Dinner
There’s something magical about the combination of slow-cooked pork and smoky barbecue sauce. This Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs recipe captures the essence of comfort food, providing you with a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The slow cooking method ensures that the pork is incredibly tender, while the barbecue sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as the star of a weekend barbecue, these ribs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The simplicity of the recipe means that you can focus on other aspects of the meal while the slow cooker does all the hard work. And because the recipe yields plenty of servings, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Serve with These Delicious Sides
To complete your Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs meal, try pairing it with the following sides:
- Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy slaw perfectly complements the richness of the ribs.
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a traditional side that balances out the smoky flavors of the pork.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky baked beans add a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the ribs.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrition to your meal.
With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, flavorful pork ribs with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs are a fantastic option for anyone who loves easy, delicious comfort food. The rich, savory flavors combined with the tenderness of slow-cooked pork make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.