Name: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; 5 to 6 pounds country style pork ribs (country style ribs); 1 large onion (cut into large pieces); 12 ounces cola ((We used 1 can of Dr. Pepper.)); 2 teaspoons liquid smoke; 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (plus more for serving if desired)

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Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are boneless pork ribs smothered in a flavorful dry rub and cooked low and slow in the crock pot until they’re perfectly tender. The dry rub has notes of sweetness and smokiness that combine to create an unforgettable flavor. Prepped in just 15 minutes with 8 hours of cook time, you’ll have incredibly tender boneless pork ribs for the whole family to enjoy!

Seasoned slow cooker country style ribs.

Country Style Pork Ribs are a classic comfort food that is perfect for busy weeknights. Slow cooking the ribs low and slow in the crockpot allows them to become fall-apart-tender, while the BBQ sauce thickens and caramelizes into sweet, smoky deliciousness.

Boneless pork ribs take about 15 minutes to prepare and by dinner time you have an incredibly flavorful meal that all your family members will enjoy! This dish requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

It only takes a few minutes to prep the boneless ribs and get them into the crockpot then it’s set it and forget it! This slow cooker recipe requires some patience but is otherwise effortless and convenient.

Scroll to the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Start by combining the dark brown sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cinnamon, and chili powder in a small bowl.
Rub a little of the dry seasoning mix into each pork rib.

Ingredients for a seasoning rub on a plate.

Seasoned uncooked country style ribs in a dish.

Place the onion pieces in the bottom of a large slow cooker then pour in the soda and liquid smoke.
Arrange a layer of ribs over the onions. Pour half the barbecue sauce over the ribs.

Bbq sauce on top of country style ribs in a slow cooker.

Repeat with the remaining ribs and barbecue sauce.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The ribs will be fork tender and shred easily when finished cooking.
Remove from the crockpot and serve with extra barbecue sauce and your favorite sides.

Crockpot filled with country style pork ribs.

Tips for Success

Season the pork ribs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before cooking to maximize flavor.
Slow cook the pork ribs on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or until they are fall-apart tender.
Choose a BBQ sauce that complements your seasoning mix to ensure maximum flavor in the finished dish.
Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, or root beer are great additions as they add sweetness and depth of flavor!
For an extra sticky finish, add more BBQ sauce 15 minutes before you plan to serve them up!
Thicker pork ribs may take longer to cook than thinner cut pork ribs, so adjust the time accordingly.
Look for ribs with good marbling (small amounts of fat running throughout). Not only does marbling add great flavor, but it helps the meat cook down nice and tender. It also keeps the meat from drying out.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Save some of the juices to keep the ribs from drying out.

Reheating: Reheat over low heat on the stovetop with some of the juices or in the microwave on half power until heated through.

Shredded crockpot boneless pork ribs in a pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cut of Meat is Country Style Pork Ribs?

Country style pork ribs are a boneless cut of meat usually cut from the shoulder or blade end of the pork loin. They are a larger and thicker cut than regular ribs and contain some fat marbling. Slow cooking this cut is an easy way to achieve fall-apart tenderness with lots of flavor.

Do Boneless Pork Ribs Need Liquid If You’re Cooking Them in the Slow Cooker?

No, boneless pork ribs do not need any extra liquid if you are cooking them in the crockpot. Slow cooking the ribs will allow their natural juices to stay within and mix with the other ingredients for a flavorful and tender dish.

You should avoid adding too much liquid as this can make your ribs soggy or watered down. We add one 12-ounce can of soda, but that’s not necessary.

Will BBQ Sauce Burn in the Crockpot?

No, BBQ sauce will not burn when making country ribs in the crockpot. Slow cookers provide a low and moist heat that slowly cooks the meat until it is fall-apart tender. The BBQ sauce caramelizes into a sweet and smoky glaze over the ribs without burning.

Pan of slow cooker country style pork ribs.

Can You Make Half the Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe was developed with a large crowd in mind. Think family gatherings, game days, summer picnics, potlucks, etc.

We used a 7-quart slow cooker, and it was almost full once the ribs were fully cooked. If you have a smaller-capacity slow cooker or want fewer country ribs, simply make half the amount of ingredients listed in the recipe card below.

What Goes Good with Country Style Pork Ribs?

Biscuits.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
Mashed Potatoes.
Potato Salad.
Cornbread.
Grilled Vegetables.
Baked Beans.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Sweet Potato Fries.

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