Best Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
Make the best melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker country style ribs with this easy recipe! Achieve tender, flavorful pork ribs using simple pantry staples. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs boneless pork country style ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 18 oz bottle sweet and smoky BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth optional, for thinner sauce
Instructions
- Pat the pork country style ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step adds incredible flavor. Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. If you prefer a thinner sauce, whisk in the optional 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Shred the pork with two forks, discarding any excess fat or bones. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the delicious BBQ sauce.
- Serve hot as is, or transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes for slightly caramelized edges, if desired. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth country style ribs!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. These ribs are fantastic served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or on brioche buns for sandwiches. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
