It was a rainy Tuesday and the fridge was nearly empty. But there they were—country style ribs, thawed and waiting. I tossed them in the slow cooker with pantry spices and BBQ sauce, then forgot about them until dinnertime. What came out? Rich, tender, sticky ribs that made the whole kitchen smell like a backyard cookout. No grill. No stress. Just pure, slow-cooked comfort.
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Why You’ll Love These Country Style Ribs
Slow cooker country style ribs are a weeknight win and a weekend comfort all in one. You just mix a spice rub, dump everything in, and let the crock pot do its thing.
These ribs come out incredibly tender—fall-apart-with-a-fork tender. The slow, low heat helps the meat soak up all that sweet and smoky BBQ flavor. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.
Plus, this is a family-friendly recipe that feels special without needing any fancy steps. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly the kind of meal that makes everyone feel taken care of.
Set it and forget it, then serve it up with a scoop of mashed potatoes or a tangy side salad. This one’s for the busy days, the cozy nights, and everything in between.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these easy country style ribs, you only need a few things:
- 3 pounds of country style ribs (bone-in or boneless work great)
- BBQ sauce (any kind you love—Sweet Baby Ray’s is a classic)
- Simple pantry spices: salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a touch of brown sugar
You can use bone-in for a slightly richer flavor or go boneless for ease. Choose your BBQ sauce based on your vibe—sweet, spicy, smoky, or mustardy. They’re all welcome here.
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Step 1 – Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar until fully combined. This simple spice rub creates the foundation of flavor for your country style ribs. The blend adds warmth from the cumin, a hint of smokiness from the paprika, and sweetness from the brown sugar. It’s balanced, bold, and brings out the richness of the pork. Rubbing this mix onto the ribs ensures every bite is seasoned perfectly with layers of flavor that develop as they slow cook.
Step 2 – Add Ribs to the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later. This simple step saves you from scrubbing and helps the sauce coat the meat evenly. Once that’s done, place the country style ribs in the cooker. Try to arrange them in a single layer, with the meat side facing up if using bone-in ribs. If they don’t all fit flat, layer them slightly but avoid overcrowding. Giving them space helps each rib cook evenly and soak up more delicious BBQ flavor.
Step 3 – Coat with Seasonings and Sauce
Rub the spice mix generously over the country style ribs, making sure every side is fully coated with that flavorful blend. Use your hands or tongs to press the rub into the meat—it’s what gives these ribs their deep, savory taste. Don’t hold back! Once the ribs are coated, pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the top. You want them nicely sauced, but not swimming. There’s no need to submerge the country style ribs completely; a thick drizzle on top will do the job perfectly during slow cooking.
Step 4 – Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook your country style ribs on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The long, slow heat works its magic, breaking down the meat until it’s irresistibly tender. You’ll know the ribs are ready when you can slide a fork in with no resistance and the meat pulls apart easily. If they still feel tough, let them go a bit longer. That extra time makes all the difference for juicy, fall-apart country style ribs that are packed with flavor.
Step 5 – Serve with Extra Sauce
Serve hot with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if you like. These ribs go beautifully with comforting sides like Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- Crispy finish: For that sticky, caramelized top, pop the ribs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking. Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Smoky flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before pouring it over the ribs. It adds a great outdoor grill taste—without stepping outside.
- Choose your cut wisely: Look for ribs with a nice balance of meat and fat. Too lean, and they’ll dry out. Too fatty, and they’ll get greasy.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Store cooled ribs in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep things juicy.
Serving Suggestions
These ribs are rich and savory, so they shine alongside bright or creamy sides. Try them with:
- Classic potato salad or pasta salad for a cookout feel
- Buttery mashed potatoes for something cozy
- Tangy coleslaw or a slice of cornbread to round things out
You can also turn leftovers into BBQ sandwiches. Just shred the meat, pile it on a soft bun, and add a little slaw on top.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe Card
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Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs – Tender & Flavorful Comfort Food
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These slow cooker country style ribs are packed with smoky BBQ flavor and fall-apart tender. A true set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
Ingredients
3 pounds country style ribs (bone-in or boneless)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon paprika
3/4 tablespoon garlic powder
3/4 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g. Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions
1. Mix salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
2. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
3. Place ribs in the cooker and rub spice mixture over them to coat.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
6. Check for fork tenderness. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
Choose ribs with a good meat-to-fat ratio for the best flavor.
Add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor twist.
For a crispy crust, broil cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet with extra BBQ sauce for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Crock Pot Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 569
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 2640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 164mg
Explore Similar Recipes
If you’re a fan of slow-cooked, flavor-packed pork, check out these reader favorites too:
- Our saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
- This ultra-tender Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe for your smoker days
- And the deep-dive on Pork Steak Tips, Marinades & Techniques
More pork? Always a good idea.
Recipe FAQ’s
What makes a rib country-style?
Country style ribs aren’t actual ribs—they’re cut from the pork shoulder. They’re meatier and often boneless, though you can find bone-in versions too.
How long does it take country-style ribs to get tender?
It depends on your setting. On low, it takes about 8 hours. On high, they’re usually ready in 4 to 6 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they get.
What is the best way to prepare country-style ribs?
Slow cooking is hands-down the easiest and most flavorful way. It breaks down the meat’s connective tissue and gives you fork-tender results.
How to know if country-style ribs are done?
They should be fork-tender, not chewy. You should be able to pull the meat apart easily. If it resists, let it go another hour.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bold BBQ flavor with none of the fuss, these slow cooker country style ribs are your new go-to. They’re incredibly easy to make, yet feel like something you’d get at a roadside BBQ shack after hours of smoking. The best part? You barely have to lift a finger. Just toss the ingredients into your crock pot, let it work its magic, and come back to tender, juicy ribs packed with rich, smoky sweetness. These country style ribs are hearty enough to satisfy a crowd and simple enough for any night of the week. Comfort food doesn’t get more hands-off—or more rewarding—than this.
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Got questions? Drop them in the comments. And if you make this recipe, I’d love to see your photos—tag @elon_recipes on Instagram or share them on Pinterest. Let’s make comfort food deliciously simple together.