Easy Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs for Any Night
We present a Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs recipe designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. These ribs are rubbed with a perfectly balanced blend of spices, slow-cooked until fork-tender, and finished in rich barbecue sauce. The slow cooker method ensures juicy meat that practically falls apart, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
With only a few minutes of prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers comfort food results without complicated techniques.
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Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs: Tender, Juicy, and Packed with BBQ Flavor
- Total Time: 8 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Simple, tender slow cooker country style ribs rubbed with spices and cooked low and slow in barbecue sauce. An easy, comforting dinner with bold BBQ flavor and fall-apart texture.
Ingredients
3 pounds country style ribs
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
Instructions
1. Combine salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Place the country style ribs into the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the ribs and rub to coat evenly.
5. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
7. Serve hot, optionally broiling briefly for a crispy BBQ finish.
Notes
Choose ribs with a good balance of meat and fat for best results.
For smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
For crispier ribs, broil with extra BBQ sauce for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 569
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 2640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 164mg
Keywords: country style ribs, crockpot country style ribs, slow cooker ribs
Why This Country Style Ribs Recipe Works
Country style ribs are well-suited for slow cooking due to their higher meat content and natural marbling. Cooking them low and slow allows the fat to render gradually, resulting in tender, flavorful ribs infused with spices and sauce.
This recipe balances savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors using pantry spices and brown sugar, while the BBQ sauce provides a glossy, satisfying finish.
Ingredient Breakdown for Perfect Results
Country style ribs provide a hearty, meaty base ideal for slow cooking. A spice rub made with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar builds layers of flavor before the ribs even begin cooking.
The addition of BBQ sauce during cooking keeps the ribs moist while infusing them with classic American barbecue flavor. Optional liquid smoke can be added for an extra hint of smokiness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
We begin by combining all spices and brown sugar in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning. The slow cooker is lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
The ribs are placed into the slow cooker and generously coated with the spice mixture, ensuring every surface is well seasoned. BBQ sauce is then poured over the ribs, coating them completely.
The slow cooker is covered and set to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the ribs to become tender and deeply flavored.
Optional Crispy Finish
For those who enjoy a caramelized BBQ crust, the cooked ribs can be transferred to a foil-lined baking sheet, brushed with additional barbecue sauce, and broiled for 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds texture and enhances the smoky-sweet flavor.
Flavor Variations and Customization
For a deeper smoky profile, stirring ½ teaspoon liquid smoke into the BBQ sauce works exceptionally well. Those who prefer heat can add cayenne pepper or hot BBQ sauce. The spice rub can also be adjusted to suit personal taste by increasing paprika or chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker country style ribs pair well with classic sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, baked beans, or corn on the cob. The tender texture makes them easy to serve for family meals or casual gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The ribs also freeze well for up to two months when properly stored.
A Reliable Slow Cooker Dinner Favorite
We consider this Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs recipe a dependable go-to for flavorful, satisfying meals. With simple ingredients, flexible cooking options, and consistently tender results, it is a dish that earns a regular spot on the dinner rotation.