Slow cooker barbecued country style ribs are hands down the easiest way to make tender, fall apart pork ribs. Minimal effort with maximum flavor!
Why this recipe works
Slow cooker barbecued country style ribs taste like they’re fresh out of the smoker thanks to a little liquid smoke added to the mix, plus they’re incredibly tender just as you’d expect when using a crockpot.
While I’ll always love oven baked country style ribs, I have to say, this is the easiest way of cooking them. Low and slow in the crock. Just set it and forget it, although it’s pretty tough to forget when that aroma hits the nostrils. These bad boys are rubbed down with spices and seasonings, layered over a bed of onions and apples, then smothered in smoky barbecue sauce. They’ll need a quick sear before popping them into the crock to create a nice crust, but anything beyond that, the slow cooker takes care of for you.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
LIQUID SMOKE – Liquid smoke adds a nice hint of smokiness without actually using a smoker. If liquid smoke isn’t an option for you, a good substitute is to replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika. But honestly, it’s not necessary unless you really want that smoked flavor.
ONIONS AND APPLES – These two things act as a “rack” on the bottom of the crock, elevating the ribs off the bottom, but they also infuse a lot of flavor and moisture to the pork.
BARBECUE SAUCE – The brand or style of barbecue sauce you use comes down to personal preference. You can make homemade Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce or purchase a bottle of your favorite sauce from the store. I want to say it doesn’t matter, but it really does when it comes to ribs. You want to use a sauce you enjoy the flavor of, because that’s one of the main flavor components here.
How to Make Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Mix the liquid smoke into the barbecue sauce and set aside.
- Layer onion on the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced apples over the onions.
- Mix all the rub ingredients together. Rub all over the ribs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the ribs on all sides. You may have to work in batches. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed.
- To the slow cooker, add a layer of ribs (start with any that contain bones) on top of the apples and onions. Cover those ribs with about 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce mixture, brushing on to cover the meat.
- Layer remaining ribs on top of the first layer and pour on the rest of the barbecue sauce. Use a brush to ensure all ribs are covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Country style pork ribs aren’t technically ribs, but rather a cut of pork similar to rib chops or pork shoulder. They’re better value compared to regular ribs, offering a substantial amount more meat on the bone.
Store any cooled leftover crockpot country style ribs in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish basted with extra barbecue sauce. Cover with foil and reheat in a 300F oven for around 20-25 minutes.
Sure, if you’d like to make them in the oven, hop over to my country style ribs recipe for more information.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your slow cooker barbecued country style ribs with corn on the cob, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. It’s comfort food’s finest!
More Ribs Recipes
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Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
For the Ribs
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 large onion sliced into rings
- 1 large apple sliced into rings
- 5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
The Rub
- 1 ½ Tablespoons paprika
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt finely ground
- 1 ½ teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- The brand or style of barbecue sauce you use comes down to personal preference. You can make homemade Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce or purchase a bottle of your favorite sauce from the store. I want to say it doesn’t matter, but it really does when it comes to ribs. You want to use a sauce you enjoy the flavor of, because that’s one of the main flavor components here.
-
If liquid smoke isn’t an option for you, a good substitute is to replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika. But honestly it’s not necessary unless you really want that smoked flavor.
Instructions
- Mix the liquid smoke into the barbecue sauce and set aside.1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Layer onion in the bottom of the slower cooker. Layer the sliced apples over the onions.1 large onion, 1 large apple
- Mix all the rub ingredients together. Rub all over the ribs.1 1/2 Tablespoons paprika, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1 Tablespoon kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 Tablespoon ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 5 pounds country style pork ribs
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the ribs on all sides. You may have to work in batches. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed.2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
- To the slow cooker, add a layer of ribs (start with any that contain bones) on top of the apples and onions. Cover those ribs with about 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce mixture, brushing on to cover the meat.
- Layer remaining ribs on top of the first layer and pour on the rest of the barbecue sauce. Use a brush to ensure all ribs are covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high 4-5 hours.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store any cooled leftover country style ribs in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish basted with extra barbecue sauce. Cover with foil and reheat in a 300F oven for around 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Jan 3, 2013 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
Amanda Davis
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Christian says
liquid smoke is not available. What else can be used?
Amanda Davis says
If liquid smoke isn’t an option for you, a good substitute is to replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika. But honestly it’s not necessary unless you really want that smoked flavor.
Debra says
Do you have to use ribs with bone in it? Can you use boneless ribs?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes that will work fine!
Carolyn says
Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs can they be cooked in oven
have no slow cooker and do not want to leave anything cooking when not home.
thank you
Amanda Formaro says
This should work:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Put a small amount of water in a baking pan, about 1/16″. Place seasoned ribs in a baking pan. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake for 2 hours. Drain any fat and/or liquid. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs. Replace foil on pan. Reduce oven temp to 275 F and put ribs back in. Bake 40 minutes.
Bill says
For 5# of country ribs what size slow cooker do you recommend
Amanda Formaro says
A 5 or 6 quart should work great!
David says
Do you serve the apples and onions with the ribs or are they just for flavor?
Amanda Formaro says
I just use them for flavor. By the time it’s all done the apples and onions are mush.
Kristie Rogers says
I have my country style ribs in the crock pot now I followed your recipe. I am 5 hours into it and there seems to be a lot of liquid in there. Should I drain?
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry I’m just seeing this comment. No need to drain it, that’ how crock pots work. They create liquid from the steam that the cooker creates. :) Just remove the ribs when all done and add a little more sauce on top!.
Judy Pilcher says
Going to try these for Mothers Day dinner. How many will this feed?
Amanda Formaro says
4-6
Okg says
Does anyone know how many calories or other nutrition values on this recipe?
Amanda Formaro says
Okg – that will depend on how well you trim the ribs and it will depend on the sauce that you use. There are roughly 370 calories in a 4-ounce country style rib. That doesn’t count the seasonings or the sauce.
Mike says
Made this twice – once with the liquid smoke and once without. Its hard to remember which one we liked better. Both ways were delicious. Fall apart tender and moist. Paired it with some fresh corn and a salad. Shredded the leftover pork and warmed it to make sandwiches on fresh baked hamburger buns.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Mike! So glad you enjoyed it so much! I do the same thing if there are any leftovers and make it into sandwiches. I agree about the smoke flavoring too, with or without are both great :) Thanks!
Scfevre says
What a fabulous recipe! This will be my slow cooker rib recipe from now on. Ribs fell off the bone and had the right amount of heat. Way to go, Amanda! Thank you!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Scfevre! I’m so glad you enjoyed them just as much as we do! :)