There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen that smells like slow-cooked pork ribs—rich, tender, and practically falling off the bone. And the best part? You don’t need to babysit them all day. My go-to method for country-style pork ribs is this foolproof crock pot recipe. Just toss everything in, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come home to a meal that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. Trust me, these ribs are so easy, even my 10-year-old nephew could make them (and he once burned cereal). The secret? A simple mix of barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and a few pantry staples that transform into the most flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth ribs you’ll ever taste.
Why You’ll Love These Country Style Pork Ribs
Oh, where do I even begin? These ribs are the kind of meal that makes you want to hug your slow cooker—and I’m only half kidding. Picture this: juicy, fall-apart tender pork infused with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor, and all you had to do was dump a few ingredients into the crock pot before heading out the door. Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy: No babysitting, no fancy techniques—just layer, pour, and let time do the work
- Budget-friendly magic: Turns humble country-style ribs into something special enough for Sunday supper
- Flavor that punches way above its weight: That simple sauce mixture? It transforms into something ridiculously rich as it slow-cooks
- Leftovers (if you have any) taste even better: The flavors meld beautifully overnight—if you can resist eating them all in one sitting!
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting while that amazing aroma fills your house. Pro tip: Make extra—these disappear fast!
Ingredients for Country Style Pork Ribs Crock Pot Easy Recipes
What I love most about this recipe? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these irresistible ribs:
- 3 lbs country-style pork ribs – Look for meaty ones with good marbling (that white fat running through them makes all the difference!)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade. I’m partial to smoky mesquite flavors here
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Keeps everything juicy without watering down the flavor
- 1 onion, sliced – Yellow or white works great – they practically melt into sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Or use 1/2 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds that beautiful color and subtle smokiness
- 1 tsp salt – Trust me, you’ll want this to balance the sweetness
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you have it!
See? Nothing fancy – just real, simple ingredients that work magic together in the crock pot. The ribs do most of the heavy lifting here!
How to Make Country Style Pork Ribs in a Crock Pot
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! I promise this is so simple you’ll laugh—but the results? Pure comfort food gold. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have ribs that’ll make you the hero of dinnertime.
Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Season the Ribs
First, grab that onion and slice it into thin half-moons—no need for perfect cuts here, they’re going to melt into sweetness anyway. Now, pat your ribs dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick!) and rub them all over with that gorgeous mix of paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy—get those spices into every nook and cranny! I like to let them sit for 5 minutes while I wash my hands and admire my handiwork.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Here’s my favorite lazy-girl trick: toss those sliced onions right into the bottom of your crock pot—they’ll create a natural “rack” and keep the ribs from sticking. Arrange the seasoned ribs on top in a single layer if you can (but don’t stress if they overlap a bit). Now, pour that glorious combo of barbecue sauce and chicken broth over everything. The liquid should come about halfway up the ribs—if it doesn’t, add a splash more broth. No stirring needed!
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on and set it: 6-8 hours on low for fall-off-the-bone tenderness, or 3-4 hours on high if you’re in a hurry (though low and slow is always better!). The ribs are done when they pull apart easily with a fork—no need to check constantly, just peek once near the end. That heavenly smell? That’s your cue they’re ready! Pro tip: If the sauce seems thin, remove the ribs and let the liquid bubble uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
Tips for the Best Country Style Pork Ribs
After making these ribs more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “oh-my-goodness” amazing. First, if you’ve got an extra 10 minutes, sear the ribs in a hot pan before slow cooking—that golden crust adds incredible depth of flavor. Second, know your crock pot—older models might need the full 8 hours, while newer ones could be done in 6. And here’s my favorite leftover hack: store the ribs in their cooking liquid—they’ll stay juicy when reheated. Just spoon some of that glorious sauce over mashed potatoes for instant deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Pork Ribs
Oh, these ribs deserve a proper stage! I love piling them high over creamy mashed potatoes—that sauce soaks right in. For summer vibes, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly. And don’t get me started on warm cornbread for mopping up every last drop of that glorious barbecue sauce. Simple sides let the ribs shine!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pork Ribs
Let’s be real—leftovers are rare with these ribs, but if you somehow have extra, here’s how to keep them tasting amazing. Store them in their cooking liquid in an airtight container—they’ll stay juicy for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them rubbery!). Instead, warm them gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth or in a 300°F oven covered with foil. The meat stays tender, and that sauce? Just as glorious as day one!
Country Style Pork Ribs Crock Pot Easy Recipes FAQs
I get asked about these ribs all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox!
Q1. Can I use boneless country-style ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless works just as well – they might cook slightly faster, so check them an hour earlier. The bone-in version does add extra flavor, but both will give you that amazing tender texture we’re after.
Q2. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
My go-to trick? Remove the cooked ribs and let the sauce bubble uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes. If you’re really in a hurry, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in, then cook for 5 more minutes. Works like a charm!
Q3. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No stress! Beef broth, vegetable broth, or even just water with an extra tablespoon of barbecue sauce will do the job. The ribs create their own delicious juices as they cook, so you’ve got wiggle room here. The ribs create their own delicious juices as they cook, so you’ve got wiggle room here.
Q4. Can I add other vegetables to the crock pot?
Oh yes – sliced bell peppers or carrots thrown in with the onions are fabulous! Just avoid watery veggies like zucchini – they’ll turn to mush during the long cook time. Potatoes work great too if you cut them large.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since brands and portion sizes can vary. But here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving (about 1 rib): 320 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated), and a whopping 25g protein to keep you satisfied. The sugar comes mostly from the barbecue sauce – about 12g per serving. Not too shabby for something this tasty! Remember, nutrition info is a guide, not gospel – enjoy every bite! Not too shabby for something this tasty!
Share Your Experience
Did you make these melt-in-your-mouth ribs? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below, snap a pic for Instagram, or share your own twist on this family favorite. Happy cooking, friends! Happy cooking, friends!
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3-Ingredient Country Style Pork Ribs Crock Pot Recipe – Heavenly Tender
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy and flavorful country-style pork ribs cooked in a crock pot for tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs country-style pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Season pork ribs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add ribs to the crock pot on top of the onions.
- Pour barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear ribs in a pan before adding to the crock pot.
- Adjust cooking time based on your crock pot’s settings.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: country style pork ribs, crock pot ribs, easy pork ribs, slow cooker ribs